As the chief guest at the discussion meeting in this regard in city on Monday, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) Md Abdul Kayowm Sarker said “The maximum limit of trans fat in fats, oils, and foods has been set below 2% in the regulations to safeguard public health.

“Today we have opened it for public consultation. We hope that we can finalize this draft within a very short time,” he also said.

Also read: WHO seeks Bangladesh’s urgent action to avoid deaths by trans fat intake

The Head of the Technical Committee on Trans Fat and Member of BFSA Morshed Ahmed said, “The World Health Organization has called to all member countries to regulate trans fat within 2023. We have formulated the regulations keeping that target in mind.’

“We request all businessmen, industrial organizations, and consumers of the country to visit our website and provide their comments on the prepared regulations,” he also added.

Presiding over the function, BFSA member Md Rejaul Karim said, “This draft regulation is a timely step by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority in order to safeguard people from trans fat or moreover, risks of heart diseases. I congratulate all concerned with promulgating this regulation.”

Also read: Bangladesh: Frame laws to limit trans fat in foods, say experts

Member of the Technical Committee on Trans Fat Professor Dr Nazma Shaheen and Member of BFSA Professor Dr Abdul Alim participated in the discussion on the draft regulations.

Trans Fatty Acid (TFA) or trans fat is a food element harmful for health. The prime source of trans fat in food is partially hydrogenated oil or PHO, which is popularly known as dalda or bonospoti-ghee in Bangladesh. PHO or dalda is most commonly used in bakery items, processed foods and deep fried snacks as well as in food preparation by hotels, restaurants and street food vendors.

Intake of excessive trans fat is associated with increased risks of heart diseases, deaths from heart diseases, dementia, and cognitive impairment. The 2020 report by WHO estimates that Bangladesh ranks among the 15 countries with the highest burden of TFA-induced deaths from heart diseases. With the implementation of this draft regulation, the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority hopes to leap forward in ensuring food safety for the people of the country.

Also read: Policy sought to fix trans fat limit at 2pc