Irshad ullah khan
PESHAWAR: Representatives from leading civil society organizations have called on the government to take immediate policy measures to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs) from all food sources in Pakistan.
The appeal was made during a media session organized by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) and Pakistan Youth Change Advocates in Peshawar.
The event, attended by journalists and civil society representatives, highlighted the alarming impact of iTFAs on public health and the economy. Experts stressed the urgent need for regulatory action to curb the presence of these harmful substances in the food supply chain.
“Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and strokes are the leading causes of death in Pakistan. Delaying the adoption of best-practice policies to eliminate iTFAs from our diets means more lives are lost to this deadly substance every day,” said Shahzad Iqbal, Project Manager at CPDI.
He pointed out that Pakistan ranks among the highest consumers of iTFAs in the region due to the absence of a comprehensive policy framework.
Munawar Hussain, Country Lead for Pakistan at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, underscored the role of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary source of iTFAs, in processed foods. “Limiting iTFAs to no more than 2% of total fats in all dietary sources through a single regulation and imposing a complete ban on PHOs is a crucial step for Pakistan to address this pressing issue,” he stated.
Recent studies reveal that many processed food brands claiming to be virtually free of trans fats and PHOs still contain significant amounts of these harmful substances. Mahnoor Sajid, a nutrition expert at CPDI, emphasized the need for robust advocacy to achieve a PHO-free Pakistan.
Participants at the event discussed Pakistan’s health statistics, gaps in food-related policies, and successful regulatory practices from neighboring and other countries. Journalists voiced their concern over the rising incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the country and urged the government to declare a public health emergency.
Proposed measures included limiting iTFAs to 2% in all dietary sources, banning PHOs, mandating front-of-pack nutrition labeling with warnings for ultra-processed foods, and removing unhealthy foods from public spaces.
The session concluded with a collective call for action to safeguard public health through swift and decisive policy interventions.
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