EU Report Urges Action on Trans Fat Limits

A new report issued by the European Commission advocates that the
European Parliament take action on trans fat levels in foods by introducing
(i) a mandatory label for foods with trans fat, (ii) legislation
setting a limit on allowable trans fat content, (iii) voluntary agreements
to reduce trans fat content, or (iv) guidance for national legal limits
on trans fats in food. The report analyzes each option, noting possible
benefits and drawbacks.

“Mandatory [trans fat] labeling would serve two purposes: (i) to provide
incentives to the industry towards reducing [trans fat] from food
products and (ii) to enable consumers to make informed food choices,”
the report explains, noting the labels would have a limited impact if
consumer awareness of the negative effects associated with trans fat
is low. The report further finds that a legal limit on allowable trans fat
content would provide the highest public health benefits, but an assessment
of the problems associated with trans fat and an analysis of the
proportionality of the action should be completed first.

Issue 587