title: Voluntary reduction of trans-fatty acids in Latin America and the Caribbean: current situation.
abstract: As part of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Trans-Fat-Free Americas initiative, 12 representatives from food industries in Latin America and the Caribbean signed a declaration stating their intention to voluntarily eliminate industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFA) from the Americas. A year later, in order to document the extent of the voluntary reduction, each declarant was asked to describe all reformulations and reductions in the TFA content of their products. After up to six requests for data, only three declarants provided such information in detail, and three others offered an overall summary of their reformulations. Additionally, three declarants reported the barriers that limit this process: availability of oil substitutes, cost, and consumers' sensory acceptance. The content of TFA and saturated fat in the food supply in the Americas should be regulated and strictly monitored in order to adequately evaluate a reduction of TFA in the region.
authors: Costa Rican Institute for Research and Education on Nutrition and Health, Ministry of Health, Tres Ríos, Cartago, Costa Rica. mongerojas.rafael@gmail.com
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Monge-Rojas
authors: Uriyoán
authors: U
authors: Colón-Ramos
authors: Enrique
authors: E
authors: Jacoby
authors: Dariush
authors: D
authors: Mozaffarian
mesh_terms: D017691:Caribbean Region; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000592:standards; D005504:Food Analysis; D019649:Food Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D005523:Food Supply / Q000592:standards*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007843:Latin America; D011634:Public Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids / Q000009:adverse effects; D035141:Voluntary Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids