Health experts at a webinar on Thursday said there is no alternative to ensuring trans-fat-free food to safeguard public health as Bangladesh ranks among the countries with the highest burden of deaths from trans-fat induced heart diseases.

They also voiced concern that excessive amounts of trans fat in food are unsafe and remain one of the leading risk factors for various non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, in the country.

The experts also deplored that although the government has passed the “Controlling Trans-Fatty Acid in Foodstuffs Regulation 2021”, its implementation has not commenced in full swing yet.

They urged the authorities concerned to take for the speedy implementation of the trans-fat limiting regulation for protecting public health.

Research and advocacy organisation PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) arranged the webinar titled “Trans-fat-free Safe Food to Safeguard Public Health and the Way Forward” on the occasion of National Food Safety Day.

The National Food Safety Day will be observed on Friday with the theme “Shastho, Pushti o Shomriddhi Chai, Nirapod Khadder Bikolpo Nai” (Health, Nutrition and Prosperity, Safe Food Remains the Only Key).

Dr Nazma Shaheen, Professor, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of Dhaka University said, “Excessive amounts of trans fats were found in bottled soybean oil in a recent study. To regulate the amount of trans fat in food items, the capacity of BFSA, BSTI and other relevant authorities must be increased. We have already undertaken research initiatives to identify the ways to regulate the level of trans fat in food.”

Dr Mohammad Mostafa, Member of Public Health and Nutrition, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) said they have prioritised the reduction of trans fats in edible oil. “We’re hopeful about finding a solution soon after discussing it with the relevant stakeholders.”

Mustak Hassan Md Iftekhar, Secretary General and CEO of Bangladesh Food Safety Foundation (BFSF) and Founder Chairman of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) said, “In order to expedite the implementation of the regulations, concerned traders, government and non-government organizations must work together.”

Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology & Research, National Heart Foundation said, “Implementation of the regulations is crucial to reduce the number of premature deaths caused by trans-fat-induced heart diseases.”

According to a WHO report on Global Trans-fat Elimination 2022, 43 countries including neighbouring India have implemented best-practice policies for tackling trans fat in food. However, Bangladesh is still lagging behind in this issue.

SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI, and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA were also present at the webinar as discussants.

The webinar was moderated by PROGGA’s Coordinator Sadia Galiba Prova. People of different professions from different regions of the country participated in the webinar.