No alternative to checking trans-fat to protect public health, experts warn

• The country suffers high rates of deaths from trans-fat-induced heart disease
• Recent study reveals high trans-fat levels in bottled soybean oil
• Strengthening capacities of BFSA and BSTI crucial for effective regulation 
• Government, NGOs, and traders must work together to accelerate implementation
• Bangladesh trails behind India and 42 other countries in leading trans-fat elimination policies

Health experts have warned that delaying the implementation of the country's trans-fat regulation poses a serious threat to public health, as Bangladesh ranks high in deaths from trans-fat-induced heart diseases.

Despite regulations like the "Controlling Trans-Fatty Acid in Foodstuffs Regulation 2021," full implementation is yet to be achieved, prompting calls for urgent actions.

A webinar titled "Trans-fat-free Safe Food to Safeguard Public Health and the Way Forward," organised by research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) and supported by Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), highlighted the critical need for action. 

Held on Thursday on National Food Safety Day, the discussion focused on the theme "Health, Nutrition and Prosperity, Safe Food Remains the Only Key."

Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHO), commonly known as Dalda or Banaspati Ghee, is the main culprit. This widely used ingredient in baked goods, processed foods, fried snacks, and even restaurant and street vendor cooking contains unhealthy levels of trans-fat.

Prof Nazma Shaheen of Dhaka University's Institute of Nutrition and Food Science revealed a recent study finding excessive trans-fats in bottled soybean oil. 

She stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of authorities like the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) to effectively regulate trans-fat content in food.

Dr Mohammad Mostafa, member (public health and nutrition), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, expressed commitment to prioritising trans-fat reduction in edible oil and assured progress through stakeholder discussions.

Mustak Hassan Md Iftekhar, secretary general and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Food Safety Foundation and founding chairman of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, said, "To expedite the implementation of the regulations, concerned traders, government and non-government organisations must work together."

Prof Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation, underscored the urgency of implementing regulations to curb deaths from trans-fat-induced heart disease.

According to the World Health Organisation's report on Global Trans-fat Elimination in 2022, 43 countries, including neighbouring India, have implemented best-practice policies for tackling trans-fat in food. However, Bangladesh still lags in addressing this critical public health issue, highlighting the need for immediate and comprehensive action.