European Union curbs trans fats from 2021 to reduce heart disease risk

The European Commission has set the limit from April 2, 2021 at two grams of industrially produced trans fats per 100 grams of fat in food.In addition to this,wholesalers are also required to notify retailers of any food that contains more than the limit.

Trans fats are easy to use, inexpensive to produce and last a long time. Trans fats give foods a desirable taste and texture. Many restaurants and fast-food outlets use trans fats to deep-fry foods because oils with trans fats can be used many times in commercial fryers. Usually industrially-produced trans-fatty acids, like margarine and some hardened vegetable fats, are popular among food producers because they are cheap and typically have a long shelf life.

Trans fats can be found in many foods – including fried foods like doughnuts, and baked goods including cakes, pie crusts, biscuits, frozen pizza, cookies, crackers, and stick margarines and other spreads.

But given their link , Trans fats have also been blamed for more than 500,000 deaths annually due to its link to cardiovascular diseases,according to World Health Organisation figures.

Trans fats raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. Eating trans fats increases your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. It’s also associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

"The measure aims at protecting consumers' health and providing Europeans with healthier food options," the Commission said in a statement.