Mexico has put the final nail in the coffin on trans fats. This has been confirmed by the Federal Government, which will formally prohibit the use of trans fats in food and beverages from the month of September which will also mean the prohibition of this type of food.
In this way, the government of the North American country dismisses this food fat that converts liquid oils into solid fats and that we know as partially hydrogenated oils. Despite leaving a minimum margin for their presence, the reality is that the measure of the government of López Obrador means de facto ending trans fats.
The publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) thus warns that “food, non-alcoholic beverages, oils and fats may not exceed two parts of industrially produced trans fatty acids for every one hundred parts of total fatty acids.” That is to say, only 2% trans fats out of total fats of a product.
At the moment it is not known what the regulation will be like, but a list of the types of products that will be prohibited if these fat ratios are exceeded has been published. That is to say, there will not be a total ban, but it will be almost totalbecause the amount of fat allowed will be very low.
Among the items that will be prohibited, Mexico has announced the inclusion of:
Cakes, cookies, tarts and donuts
Vegetable shortening
microwave popcorn
Frozen Pizza, French Fries, Refrigerated Dough, and Fried Chicken
Sauces, ice creams and salty snacks
Milk creams for coffee,
Beverages such as soft drinks, coffees or teas with added cream, high-fat dairy milk, drinks and smoothies with coconut or palm oils, ice cream-based drinks, artificial juices, sugar-sweetened flavored waters, and non-alcoholic creamy cocktails
The health risks of trans fats
Converted into one of the workhorses of Antonio Manuel López Obrador’s executive, the Mexican government’s fight against trans fats also clings to the potentially harmful health risks of this type of fat.
It is well known that they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and LDL cholesterol, in addition to reducing LDL cholesterol, generating a greater accumulation of arterial cholesterol, in addition to being linked to excess weight and a greater risk of diabetes.
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In DAP | These are the consequences of trans fats on your health and so you can avoid them in your diet
In DAP | Identify and reduce trans fats in your kitchen
