‘Trans-Fat Free’ logo was recently launched by Harsh Vardhan, union minister of Health and Family Welfare at the 8th International Chefs Conference organized in Aero City, New Delhi on 4 October 2019. The movement against trans fats has been defined as one of the important steps to accelerate the ‘Eat Right India’ movement which is led by FSSAI, under the aegis of the ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Food establishments which use trans-fat free fats and oil and do not have industrial trans-fat more than 0.2 grams in 100grams of food, in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 can display ‘Trans-fat free’ logo in their outlets and on their food products. However, the use of the said logo is voluntary.
Dr Vardhan said, “Trans fats are the worst type of fats with known health risks. India is committed to eliminating it from the food supply and is progressing towards its objective of trans fat elimination by 2022. It is encouraging to see chefs from across the country are coming forward to support FSSAI in this cause and working towards a healthier India.”
He also congratulated FSSAI for its efforts in collectivizing various stakeholders to work cohesively and take the ‘Eat Right India’ movement forward.
Dr Vardhan also released a slogan ‘Chefs 4 Trans Fat Free’, under which more than 1,000 chefs from different parts of the country took a pledge to use trans-fat free fats and oil in their recipes and work towards its elimination from diets of Indian populace at large. He also felicitated several bakeries who use trans-fat free fats and oil in their products.
Pawan Agarwal, chief executive officer at FSSAI said, “FSSAI is committed to reducing the industrially-produced trans-fatty acids to less than 2% by the year 2022 in a phased manner. This is in line with our objective to get Freedom from trans fats – ‘India@75, Freedom from Trans Fats’. I am hopeful that the Chef’s community will work with us in achieving this goal.”
Chefs were encouraged to prepare recipes with less salt as it reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke even among those who do not have high blood pressure. FSSAI is constantly making efforts to educate consumers about limiting the consumption of salt, sugar and fat in their diet through its campaign ‘Eat Right India’ movement. The Food Authority, in the past, has launched campaigns like ‘Aaj se Thoda Kam’ to nudge consumers on limiting the consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Additionally, FSSAI had also launched ‘Heart Attack Rewind’, a campaign to educate consumers on the harmful effects of trans fat and reduce its acceptability in foods.
