Trans fatty acids in food： dietary intake and regulatory policies in China and other countries

Abstract

Numerous studies have highlighted the harmful effect of trans fatty acid （TFAs） on human health. Based on a review of health hazards of TFAs， intake levels among residents in China and other countries， and current regulatory policies， this paper discusses the proposals on strengthening TFAs restriction policies in China. According to the literature review， dietary intake level of TFAs among residents in China was relatively low across the world， which remained a certain distance from the World Health Organization （WHO） recommended limit of 1% of total energy intake. However， consumption of edible oils， baked food and dairy products by Chinese residents is likely to continue to rise in the future， which might lead to an increase in TFAs intake. Therefore， it is suggested that China should strengthen the investigation and assessment of TFAs intake， adopt the WHO best policy of restricting TFAs （a national limit of 2 grams of industrially produced trans fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods， or a national ban on the production and use of partially hydrogenated oils）， and reduce the use of edible oil.

Keywords

• trans fatty acid
• intake level
• policy of restriction