Following World Health Organisation recognition, Saudi Arabia became one of the first five countries to obtain a certificate of artificial trans fats-free food products.
The Kingdom’s attempts to stop using partially hydrogenated oils, which are the primary source of trans fats in food products, have culminated in this accomplishment.
The hydrogenation of vegetable oils produces unsaturated fats called trans fats, which raise the risk of cardiovascular illnesses like high blood pressure and stroke.
In 2018, the World Health Organisation recommended lowering trans-fat consumption to less than 1% of daily caloric intake.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to transform the health sector and become a global leader in public health. By increasing the average lifespan and reducing the prevalence of chronic illnesses.
Eliminating trans fats from food products is a significant step in the right direction since it will improve both the public’s health and the quality of food.
This accomplishment’s significance
This accomplishment is very significant for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It strengthens its standing in the public health sector and demonstrates its dedication to achieving sustainable development goals.
Such an achievement also contributes to improving the general health of the public and the quality of food products, since trans fats increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Kingdom’s actions to attain trans fats-free food products
To achieve this goal, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken several steps, including:
- Introducing legislation prohibiting the use of partially hydrogenated oils in food items in 2017.
- Establishing a programme to assist food manufacturers in switching to non-hydrogenated oils.
- Improving the labs’ capacity to analyse fat content in food items.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia anticipates to benefit from this accomplishment. In terms of reaching its public health objectives, it will result in:
- Prolonging the average lifespan of people in the Kingdom.
- Decreasing the prevalence of chronic illnesses like heart disease.
- Enhancing the standard of living for residents.
