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Health Canada turns attention to trans fat |
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 "We are giving industry two years to reduce trans fats to the lowest levels possible as recommended by the Trans Fat Task Force. If significant progress has not been made over the next two years, we will regulate to ensure the levels are met," said Health Minister Tony Clement.
Canada's food industry has been recommended to cut the total fat content of vegetable oils and soft, spreadable margarines to 2 per cent, and to limit the total fat content for all other foods to 5 per cent.
Sally Brown, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, says the acceptance of their recommendations "moves us one big step closer to the elimination of processed trans fats from our food."
"Over the next two years the Heart and Stroke Foundation will work with Health Canada to monitor the situation and inform the public on where trans fats remain in our foods, and how to make healthier choices," says Brown.
"The Foundation's goal is to get rid of processed trans fats in Canadian foods, and today we've moved closer than ever to that objective," notes Brown. "We'll continue to work to achieve that goal and to keep the public informed of Canada's progress."
The Heart and Stroke Foundation says Canadians have one of the highest trans fat intakes worldwide, consuming 4.9 grams of trans fats a day.
Studies show that consuming just five grams of trans fats a day over many years increases bad blood cholesterol and boosts the risk of heart disease by 25 per cent. Heart-friendly palm oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and is a good alternative to trans fat. THE END.
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