FDA's Proposed Ban on Trans Fats Could Benefit Canadians

Canadians may benefit from a U.S. proposal calling on the food industry to phase out trans fats, says a consumer advocate who wants Health Canada to follow suit. 

According to CBC, the ban proposed by the Food and Drug Administration would eliminate artificial trans fats in processed food and could prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 heart-related deaths a year in the U.S.

Manufacturers use trans fats to extend shelf life. However, consuming them raises low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, the FDA says.

The FDA proposal would define partially hydrogenated oils, the main dietary source of trans fats in processed foods, as additives that could not be used in food unless authorized.

Bill Jeffrey, national co-ordinator for the Centre for Science in the Public Interest, says Health Canada has told the Canadian government that removing trans fats from the food supply could prevent 1,000 deaths a year while saving almost half a billion dollars.

Documents obtained by Jeffrey’s group showed the federal government planned to limit the trans fat content of vegetable oils and margarines. However, no announcement was made.

Jeffrey said it’s hard to know what the implications of the U.S. proposal will be for Canadians. American food manufacturers may export safer products to Canada but they may see Canada as a market to get rid of trans fat laden foods, he said.