Food items in Dhaka city contain an excessive level of trans-fatty acid (TFA) crossing the threshold of the World Health Organisation (WHO), according to a latest local study.
Some 92 per cent of the partially-hydrogenated oils (PHOs) sampled in the city contained TFA level above the 2.0-per cent limit set by the WHO, it said.
The findings of researchers from the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute (NHFHRI), were released at a press conference on Saturday.
With public health at dire risk, health experts have called for a limit of trans-fatty acid to the maximum 2.0 gram per 100g in all fats, oils and foods.
Some samples even showed a shockingly high concentration of TFA, 20.9g per 100g, which is more than 10 times the WHO-set limit, the institute said.
The researchers have found such disturbing results after analysing samples from leading PHO brands in the metropolis.
Prof Nazma Shaheen from the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science at University of Dhaka and research adviser Abu Shamim Ahmed provided research support.
Against this backdrop, the experts suggested the government take immediate regulatory action with regard to trans-fats in line with the WHO recommendations.
NHFHRI, Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and PROGGA in association with Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) co-hosted the presentation of the report styled 'Assessment of Trans-fats in PHOs in Bangladesh'.
Prof Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury of epidemiology and research at the NHFHRI disclosed the findings while PROGGA's Transfat project team leader Md Hasan Shahriar presented 'The Way Forward' there.
The PHO is popularly known as dalda or bonospoti ghee in Bangladesh.
Consumption of excessive TFA is strongly associated with an increased risk of severe coronary heart diseases, dementia and cognitive impairment.
The WHO estimates that excessive intake of industrially produced TFA is responsible for more than 500,000 heart disease deaths globally.
An estimated 277,000 people die of heart disease each year in Bangladesh.
Considering grave health risks, the WHO has set eliminating industrially produced TFA from the global food supply by 2023 as one of its priority targets.
GHAI Bangladesh country lead Muhammad Ruhul Quddus said, "India, Thailand, Brazil and many other countries have already enacted policies to regulate TFA in food products following the WHO recommendations."
"Bangladesh has already made a policy decision for the same. The findings of this research will surely accelerate the process of promulgating policies on trans-fat regulation."
CAB programme coordinator Ahmed Ekramullah said, "Consumer health is at dire risk without policies on regulating trans-fats in Bangladesh."
"The government and consumer rights organisations need to work together in order to eliminate trans-fats for the sake of protecting consumer health."
PROGGA executive director ABM Zubair said, "The mass media can play a pivotal role in creating awareness of the health harms of trans-fats and encourage policymakers to eliminate trans-fats."
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