Saudi Arabian Food Products Devoid of Artificial Trans Fats
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) received accolades from the World Health Organization (WHO) for certifying that Saudi foods are devoid of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (ITFA).
The Kingdom is among the first five nations, including Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Thailand, applauded for their ITFA elimination policies.
At a Geneva ceremony, SFDA CEO Dr. Hisham Aljadhey thanked the WHO for its role in health promotion and the reduction of chronic diseases, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program.
The 2017 SFDA strategy aimed at improving society's dietary habits and the nutritional quality of foods, targeting reductions in salt, sugar, and fat, and mandating calorie content disclosures.
The SFDA, since January 2020, has prohibited the use of partially hydrogenated oils, a prime source of trans fats, aiming to foster a healthier food selection and engage various stakeholders.
Aljadhey highlighted that eliminating artificial trans fats, which are linked to approximately 500,000 annual deaths globally and contribute to heart disease, is a public health priority.
The SFDA set stringent limits on trans fats in oils, ghee, and other foods since 2015, culminating in the 2020 ban of partially hydrogenated oils. This policy not only bolsters health and reduces disease-related economic strain but also promotes Saudi products internationally.
SFDA labs ensure compliance by testing food items for artificial trans fats.
Saudi Arabia's success in eradicating artificial trans fats led to its leadership of the International Advisory Team for their elimination globally, with SFDA's Faisal bin Sunaid as head, overseeing the evaluation of member states' efforts for WHO certification.
At a Geneva ceremony, SFDA CEO Dr. Hisham Aljadhey thanked the WHO for its role in health promotion and the reduction of chronic diseases, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program.
The 2017 SFDA strategy aimed at improving society's dietary habits and the nutritional quality of foods, targeting reductions in salt, sugar, and fat, and mandating calorie content disclosures.
The SFDA, since January 2020, has prohibited the use of partially hydrogenated oils, a prime source of trans fats, aiming to foster a healthier food selection and engage various stakeholders.
Aljadhey highlighted that eliminating artificial trans fats, which are linked to approximately 500,000 annual deaths globally and contribute to heart disease, is a public health priority.
The SFDA set stringent limits on trans fats in oils, ghee, and other foods since 2015, culminating in the 2020 ban of partially hydrogenated oils. This policy not only bolsters health and reduces disease-related economic strain but also promotes Saudi products internationally.
SFDA labs ensure compliance by testing food items for artificial trans fats.
Saudi Arabia's success in eradicating artificial trans fats led to its leadership of the International Advisory Team for their elimination globally, with SFDA's Faisal bin Sunaid as head, overseeing the evaluation of member states' efforts for WHO certification.
