GCC-based companies phasing out trans-fat

GCC-based member companies of the International Food & Beverage Alliance (IFBA) will be reformulating to reduce trans-fat from their products. According to IFBA, the goal is for products to contain less than 1 gram of trans fat per 100 grams of product at the end of 2018 at the latest.

The IFBA reports that 11 of its members have made the commitment, among them, General Mills, Kellogg Company of Great Britain Limited (Dubai Branch), Mars, Mondelēz International, Nestlé Middle East, PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company and Unilever.

In the GCC, IFBA member companies are voluntarily removing partially hydrogenated oils, the major source of trans fat in processed foods. They are also increasing the use of healthier fats, such as mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Rocco Renaldi, IFBA Secretary-General, stated: “Reducing the intake of industrial trans fats to nutritionally insignificant levels has been identified as a priority in public health nutrition.  The commitment by IFBA member companies to achieve this globally over the next two and one-half years supports this objective. We stand ready to support the broader industry to achieve the same and to work to define effective measures to ensure a level playing field in this area.”