‘Nigerians’ health will dramatically improve once NAFDAC begins trans-fat regulation’

The health of Nigerians will dramatically improve once NAFDAC begins the implementation of its trans-fat regulations.  This is according to information from a coalition of non-governmental organisations under the #TransFatfreeNigeria Campaign Stakeholders.

Speaking at a recent press conference in Lagos with the theme: “Trans-fat and Cardiovascular Disease: Protecting the Health of the Populace through TFA Regulation,” Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Adviser TFA-free Nigeria Campaign, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), said that once the regulations are approved and implemented by NAFDAC, Nigerians will witness a dramatic improvement in their health status.

NAFDAC has come up with the draft “Fat and Oils Regulations 2019” and the “Pre-Packaged, Ice and Labelling Regulations of 2019” in line with WHO recommendations.

Dr Mafeni explained the dangers of trans-fat in foods. 

He said that industrially produced trans fats are unsaturated fats chemically manufactured by passing hydrogen through oils for them to become solid fats. This is called hydrogenation.  

Although bacteria produce naturally occurring trans fats in the guts of animals like cows, goats and sheep, most trans fats are produced industrially by hydrogenation.

Mafeni said that trans fats have been a commercially very successful product, becoming very popular in the diet during the 20th century. 

However, WHO analysed the health impact of trans fats and found that they increase overall mortality, particularly cardiovascular mortality, that is death due to heart and blood system-related conditions. 

Trans fats are common in baked goods,  pre-packaged foods, and some cooking oils, and are a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases worldwide, estimated to contribute to over half a million deaths every year. 

Therefore, WHO recommends that trans fat, both natural and industrial, do not exceed 1 per cent of energy intake per day.

Also speaking at the press conference, the Executive Director Corporate Accountability And Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, said that Nigeria has been involved in the movement to eliminate trans-fats from foods.

He said the coalition has built a robust partnership with NAFDAC and commended it for the draft “Fat and Oils Regulations 2019” and the “Pre-Packaged, Ice and Labelling Regulations of 2019” currently awaiting approval by the Governing Council of agency.

“We are also happy to announce that at a recent meeting with the top officials of NAFDAC, its director-general, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye announced that the draft regulations will go through some processes before its approval by the board and assured that in no distant time the approval and final gazetting of the regulations will occur,” Oluwafemi said.

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