Kuwait takes on trans fats to protect health

03/02/2025

Kuwait takes on trans fats to protect health

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 3: The Deputy Director General of the Community Nutrition Sector at the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) Dr. Shaima Mohammad Al-Asfour affirmed the importance of the regulation on partially hydrogenated fats, as it aims to limit the use of hydrogenated fats in food products to reduce the risks of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, by preventing the use of industrial trans fats, which is a leading cause of increased harmful cholesterol levels. In an interview, Dr. Al-Asfour revealed that the authority is working on a plan to update the school cafeteria regulations and make calorie specification a binding Kuwaiti regulation, to reduce chronic diseases, especially obesity, by encouraging healthier food consumption patterns in society.

She highlighted the ongoing coordination and cooperation between PAFN and various government ministries, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Education, and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry to ensure the effective implementation of the regulations and support monitoring efforts. Dr. Al-Asfour explained that fats are essential for human health and have many benefits. They are a primary source of energy, as they provide the body with concentrated energy, and assist in the absorption of essential fatsoluble vitamins. Fats also support cell health, contribute to hormonal balance, protect vital organs, and provide thermal insulation. The partially hydrogenated fats regulation aims to limit the use of hydrogenated fats (trans fats) in food products, both local and imported. The primary goal is to improve public health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The regulation is set to be implemented by May 1, 2025.

Hydrogenated fats are vegetable oils that undergo a chemical process to transform from a liquid to a solid state by adding hydrogen to enhance their consistency and extend their shelf life. Foods containing hydrogenated fats include commercially baked goods, biscuits, cakes, margarine, fried foods, fast foods, and coffee creamers. These fats are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and artery problems, as they raise harmful cholesterol levels (LDL) and lower the beneficial cholesterol (HDL). They also contribute to weight gain and other health issues such as diabetes. Below is part of the interview held with the Deputy Director General of the Community Nutrition Sector at PAFN Dr. Shaima Mohammad Al-Asfour -

Q: What are the criteria for identifying products that contain hydrogenated fats?

Answer: Products can be identified by checking the ingredient list on the packaging. Any product that contains hydrogenated oils or trans fats among the ingredients is subject to this regulation. Also, products are tested in laboratories to ensure they comply with the required standards. Q: What is the mechanism for monitoring local and imported products and the role of the authority in this? A: PAFN plays a major role in monitoring local products by conducting field inspections to ensure companies comply with the standards. Non-compliant companies face penalties, and product samples are analyzed regularly in laboratories. For imported foods, PAFN imposes strict regulations, including verifying the accuracy of nutritional information and ensuring the permissible limit of partially hydrogenated fats is below 2. It also conducts laboratory tests on food shipments at customs ports to ensure compliance.

Q: What is the penalty for noncompliance with the regulation?

A: Penalties for non-compliance include financial fines for violating companies, along with criminal penalties, which may result in referral to the Public Prosecution.

Q: What is your plan to confront the public’s addiction to unhealthy foods?

A: PAFN is working on educating consumers about the dangers of hydrogenated fats through intensified media campaigns and encouraging companies to offer healthy alternatives that maintain the same quality and taste. We are also developing a plan to raise public awareness about the objectives of the regulation, which will include launching awareness campaigns via traditional media such as television and radio, as well as through digital platforms like social media.

Q: You gave companies 4 months to change production plans. Is that enough?

A: Most major companies were informed of the regulation in advance and have been aware of the requirements for some time. However, PAFN will continue to monitor their progress and offer support as needed to expedite compliance.

Q: Have you faced challenges in companies’ resistance to change?

A: We have observed some variation in response. While most major food companies are committed to Gulf and international standards, a few have expressed concerns about the cost of implementing changes. In response, PAFN has organized meetings and workshops to highlight the importance of the regulation and its positive impact on public health. The challenges mainly involve reformulating products and the cost of healthier alternatives, but we are actively working on solving these issues.

Q: You have announced the preparation of many future projects and plans. What are they?

A: We are working on converting the calorie specifications into a binding Kuwaiti regulation. We are also in the process of developing the current canteen regulations. We are studying a new regulation aimed at reducing chronic diseases, particularly obesity, by changing the food consumption patterns in society. Furthermore, PAFN is coordinating with various ministries, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Education, and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce, to ensure the effective implementation of these regulations and support oversight efforts.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

Article

Kuwait takes on trans fats to protect health

Push to mandate calorie counts, and healthy food options in schools