The federal government in conjunction with Health Canada announced that artificial trans fats will be removed from Canadian dinner plates next year. The announcement came Friday, Sept. 22, nearly 12 years after the ban was promised by the government.
Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor welcomes the ban, saying this will be the final step to eliminate partially hydrogenated oils in all foods sold in Canada.
“Eliminating the main source of industrially produced trans fat from the food supply is a major accomplishment and a strong new measure that will help to protect the health of Canadians,” she stated.
Trans fats are used in the production of pastries, baked goods, and in other products in order to extend their shelf life.
The main source of trans fats in foods are oils that raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which contribute to the rise of “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol. Rising LDL levels are associated with the high cholesterol that takes a toll on our health.
U of G associate professor and obesity expert David Ma told The Ontarion that “removing trans-fat is important because it has been strongly linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk and other chronic diseases.”
“The ban is needed because while the vast majority of companies have complied, there remains specific categories of foods and age groups where trans fats consumption may remain high,” Ma added.
This ban is the last step in a series of activities since the early 2000s to first reduce, and now remove, artificial trans fats from the Canadian food supply.
The ban will come into full force on Sept. 15, 2018, to give the food industry enough time to find suitable alternatives, according to an article by the CBC.
It will apply to all foods sold in the country, including imported products and foods prepared and served in food service establishments, the article continues.
Canadian researchers estimate that this ban could prevent over 12,000 heart attacks in Canada over the next 20 years.
Photo by Alora Griffiths/ The Ontarion