Countdown to 2023: WHO report on global trans-fat elimination 2019

Overview

In May 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the REPLACE action package to support governments to eliminate industrially produced TFA from the global food supply by 2023. The package calls for replacement of TFA with healthier oils and fats, to be achieved through policy and regulation while establishing monitoring systems and creating awareness among policy-makers, industry, and the public.

Momentum around TFA elimination has been growing as more countries begin to take action by adopting and enforcing policies. Mandatory TFA limits or bans on partially hydrogenated oils are currently in effect for 2.4 billion people in 28 Member States (31% global population coverage). Since the beginning of 2018, mandatory TFA limits have come into effect in six additional countries and have been passed in 24 additional countries. Some multinational companies have committed, and taken steps, to eliminate industrially produced TFA from global product lines.

Although this progress is encouraging, the vast majority of countries still do not have policies in place to protect their citizens from the harmful effects of TFA. Therefore, there is still a long way to go to achieve global elimination by 2023. To meet this target, WHO will strengthen its support to countries in eliminating TFA and overcoming any challenges they may be facing, including by developing and providing regulatory capacity-building training.

WHO also recommends that the following actions be taken by countries to create a global movement on TFA elimination.

• Develop and implement mandatory TFA limits.
• Share experiences and best practices in TFA elimination, and consider regional or intercountry networks to enhance actions.
• Renew support and strengthen commitment for eliminating industrially produced TFA by 2023 to achieve the first elimination of a risk factor for noncommunicable disease.

Actions are also required by countries and other concerned stakeholders to ensure that the world is free from industrially produced TFA by 2023. WHO expects the industry groups to implement the firm commitments they have made to eliminate industrially produced TFA from product lines.