Reducing Industrial Trans Fatty Acids in Pakistan

Reducing Industrial Trans Fatty Acids in Pakistan

Donors/Partners: Cargill

Project Focal Person’s Email Address Vaqar@sdpi.org | Fatimamuzammil@sdpi.org

Locale: Islamabad, Lahore, GB

Project Lead Dr Vaqar Ahmed

Project Team Fatima Muzammil, Yahya Gulraiz, Asma Elahi, Dr Razia Safdar

Unit Name Economic Growth Unit

Program/Project Rational and Background

Industrial trans fatty acids (iTFAs) are a major public health concern in Pakistan with high levels of consumption linked to a range of illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. In this regard, the food industry is a major contributor producing many products containing high levels of trans fats.

According to a study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Pakistan is one of the top 10 countries with the highest number of deaths attributable to iTFA consumption. Furthermore, the study estimates that reducing iTFA consumption to WHO-recommended levels could prevent approximately 15,000 deaths per year in Pakistan. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended reducing the intake of iTFA to less than 1% of total energy intake to prevent non-communicable diseases.

Planned Deliverables/Outputs With Dates

A policy brief will be produced after conducting a comprehensive review of the iTFA situation in Pakistan.
A database of iTFA-free alternatives will be developed to share it with food industry representatives.
A communication plan is under way to eliminate TFA to educate the stakeholders about the health risks associated with iTFA consumption.
In collaboration with PSQCA, the SDPI team will advocate for mandatory labeling of iTFA content on food products, and advocate for restrictions on the use of iTFA in food products.
Engagement/meetings with members of parliament/standing committees concerned in Islamabad, Lahore, and Gilgit to sensitize them on this issue.
Social media campaign co-designed with Cargill.
Organize two workshops in webinar format for medical professionals, nutrition societies, consumer organizations, retailers’ bodies, and other market actors to raise awareness about the harmful effects of TFA and promote its replacement. Workshops will be conducted in partnership with universities in the Punjab and GB.
Discussions based on dialogue paper at electronic media/TV channels. SDPI faculty will also contribute four op-eds.
End of project meeting

Impact/Outcome Sought or Achieved (if any)

Creating an urgency across the relevant public and private sector quarters to move towards an expedient reduction in iTFA.
Increased demand for iTFA-free products and a shift in the food industry towards the production of iTFA-free products.
Development and implementation of policies and regulations that promote the reduction or elimination of iTFA in the food supply in Pakistan.