Urgent Action Needed to Reduce Trans Fat in Pakistan: WHO

Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, are a type of unhealthy fat that have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Despite this, many foods in Pakistan still contain high levels of trans fats, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent action to reduce their use in the country.

According to WHO, trans fats can be found in many processed foods, such as baked goods, fried foods, and snack foods. They are often used to increase the shelf life and stability of these products, but they can also have a detrimental impact on public health. In fact, WHO estimates that trans fats are responsible for more than 500,000 deaths from heart disease each year.

To address this issue, WHO is calling on the government of Pakistan to take action to reduce the use of trans fats in food production. One strategy that has been shown to be effective is the implementation of mandatory limits on the amount of trans fats that can be used in food products. This approach has been used successfully in other countries, such as Denmark, which became the first country in the world to implement a trans fat ban in 2003.

In addition to limiting the use of trans fats in food production, WHO is also calling on the food industry to take steps to reduce the use of these unhealthy fats in their products. This could include reformulating products to use healthier alternatives, such as olive oil or coconut oil, or clearly labeling products that contain trans fats so that consumers can make more informed choices.

Finally, WHO is encouraging individuals to take steps to reduce their own consumption of trans fats. This includes being mindful of the types of foods they eat and reading food labels to identify products that contain these unhealthy fats.

In conclusion, reducing the consumption of trans fats is an urgent public health priority in Pakistan. The government, food industry and individuals all have a role to play in reducing the use of these unhealthy fats and protecting the health of the population. By taking action now, we can help to reduce the incidence of heart disease and other health problems in Pakistan.