The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has earned prestigious recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its significant achievement in obtaining a certificate affirming that food products in the Kingdom are entirely free from industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA), also known as artificial trans fats. Joining Saudi Arabia in this remarkable accomplishment are four other nations: Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Thailand, all recognized for their exemplary efforts in eliminating iTFA from their food supply.
Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are solid fats that have long been associated with serious health risks, including an elevated risk of heart attacks and heart disease-related fatalities. These harmful fats are frequently present in industrially produced food items such as fried foods, cakes, and ready meals, often laden with high levels of sugar, fat, and salt, offering no discernible health benefits.
Though the World Health Organization had set an ambitious goal in 2018 to fully eliminate iTFA from the global food supply by the end of 2023, the task was not entirely accomplished. Nevertheless, noteworthy progress has been achieved on a global scale. Saudi Arabia, along with its four fellow honorees, has received the inaugural certificates from WHO, acknowledging their implementation of best practice policies for the elimination of iTFA, further fortified by robust monitoring and enforcement systems.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, commended Saudi Arabia’s exceptional achievement, emphasizing, “Trans fat has no known health benefit, but huge health risks. We are very pleased that Saudi Arabia has introduced policies banning or limiting trans fat in food and, crucially, has effectively enforced these policies. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to public health serves as an example for nations around the world.”
