Lang
Egyptian MP Mai Osama Reshdy has submitted a proposal to the deputy prime minister and minister of health and population calling for a ban on the use of industrially hydrogenated oils, also known as trans fats or vegetable shortening, in Egypt's food manufacturing sector.
In her proposal, the MP said: "There are official warnings from the World Health Organisation about the risks and harms of using hydrogenated oils in food, as they cause weight gain, raise levels of harmful cholesterol, and lower levels of beneficial cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular and vascular illness, and is a major cause of many chronic diseases."
The MP explained that hydrogenated oils are oils that are chemically modified to extend their shelf life, noting that hydrogenation is the process used to manufacture these oils, whereby natural vegetable oils are altered to become more stable and resistant to oxidation.
She continued: "Here in Egypt, we have medical studies proving that consuming these oils raises the risk of death by up to 34%, and they are also a major cause of strokes and heart attacks. In addition, they negatively affect children's growth and academic performance, making them a threat to future generations, while also increasing the healthcare costs borne by the state."
The MP stressed that hydrogenated palm oil is used in many food and industrial products in Egypt, and this is where the danger lies, as it has a high melting point and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in appetisers, sweets, butter, cheese and fast food.
She pointed out that many countries have taken strict measures to stop the use of hydrogenated oils, including the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Denmark, Norway, Singapore, the European Union countries, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, in order to protect their citizens' health from the risk of cardiovascular disease, after health authorities in these countries determined that hydrogenated oils are no longer a safe component of human food.
The MP called on the relevant authorities in Egypt, chiefly the Ministry of Health and the Food Safety Authority, to study her proposal and the mechanisms for implementing it in Egypt, in order to safeguard public health and reduce rates of chronic disease, noting that Egypt currently lacks clear standards and controls to limit the use of hydrogenated oils or set permissible usage levels.
Source: Al Mal Forum