Question: Consider following statements about FSSI recent announcement:
a) FSSAI recently announced that all edible refined oils, vegetable fat spreads, Vanaspati, margarines, Bakery shortening and mixed fat spreads can contain only 3% or less trans fats.
b) This new limit to be followed from January 2021.
c) Further by 2022, January this limit has to come down by 1%.
Which of the above are correct?
i) a,b,c
ii) a,b
iii) a,c
iv) none of the above
Answer: ii
Context
- India’s top food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently released a notification reducing level of trans fats in food items from current 5% to 3%.
Facts
- FSSAI, on December 29, brought out a gazette notification stating that the level of trans fats in oils and fats will not be more than 3% from January 1, 2021 onwards. The level shall be further reduced to 2% by January 1, 2022 onwards.
- The notification also extends to food and food items having oils or fats.
Trans Fats
- Trans fats, or trans-fatty acids, are a form of unsaturated fat. These are both natural and artificial.
- Natural Trans fats occur in the meat and dairy from ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. They form naturally when bacteria in these animals’ stomachs digest grass.These are not known to be harmful.
- Artificial or industrial Trans fats are formed during the hydrogenation process of vegetable oils. They result in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
- Consumption of these Trans fats results in heart diseases.
By – kameshwar shukla