Lang
The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has set a maximum limit of 2.0 per cent for trans fatty acids (TFA) in manufactured food items. This decisive action aims to safeguard public health across the nation.
Trans fatty acids, commonly known as trans fat, are widely recognized for their detrimental effects on health. They contribute to an increase in 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol while lowering 'good' (HDL) cholesterol, consequently elevating the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Under this new directive from BSTI, food manufacturers are now mandated to restrict the use of TFAs in various processed food categories. This includes staple products like edible oil, decorated cakes, chips, and the local snack chanachur.
In relation to this significant development, a stakeholders' consultation meeting was recently convened at the BSTI headquarters in Tejgaon. Organized jointly by BSTI and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, the event was themed 'Promoting the Production of TFA- and PHO-Free Edible Oil in Bangladesh'.
The meeting saw the participation of prominent figures, including BSTI Director General Kazi Emdadul Hoque, who attended as the chief guest. Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury from the National Heart Foundation was present as a special guest, while Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Alim of Bangladesh Agricultural University served as a resource person.
Senior officials from major edible oil producing and refining companies, such as Bashundhara Group, City Group, TK Group, Bangladesh Edible Oil, and Meghna Group, along with representatives from various research institutions across the country, actively participated in the consultation.
During the proceedings, BSTI Deputy Director (Agriculture and Food) Enamul Haque delivered a presentation highlighting 'The Urgency of SDGs in Controlling Non-Communicable Diseases and Government Priorities'.
Kazi Emdadul Hoque emphasized the critical role of producers and businesses in ensuring the availability of safe and trans-fat-free food. The BSTI Director General further affirmed that effective initiatives would be launched in close coordination with relevant stakeholders, carefully considering the industrial sector's practical challenges, technological capabilities, and production processes. Source: The Financial Express