The global fight against trans-fat: Policy insights and labeling information based on alternative substitutes in Türkiye

Abstract

Trans-fat consumption is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. With the 'REPLACE' action plan of the World Health Organization, which aims to zero global trans-fat consumption by 2023, steps are taken by the countries of the world to zero trans-fat. In this article, trans-fat content information of packaged food products was researched in Türkiye. Trans-fat content was classified into 4 categories and a total of 1411 packaged food products divided into 11 categories were examined and it was found that 71.2% of them contained trans-fat-free content. According to the label information, the usage rate of 'no trans-fat or trans-fat free' statements in all categories is 25%. In addition, it was determined that 7.1% of these products used vague expressions that did not provide clear information about trans-fat content. When evaluated in general, the use of alternative substitutes should be encouraged and effective policies should be developed in order to eliminate trans fat in Türkiye as well as in the rest of the world.