Press here to Skip to the main content
Font Size
Default Font Size Larger Font Size Largest Font Size RSS Subscription Advanced Search Sitemap Mobile/Accessible Version 繁體 简体

No plans to regulate trans fats

July 08, 2015

The Government has no plans to prohibit the use of partially hydrogenated oils, which are the primary dietary source of trans fats in food so far, Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man said today.

 

Responding to lawmakers' questions, Dr Ko said that a study conducted in 2012 found there had been an apparent declining trend in the mean trans fat content in food samples, which reflected the positive effect of the trade's effort in reducing trans fat levels in their products.

 

Despite the United States announcing its new policy on prohibiting the use of partially hydrogenated oils in food, the Codex Alimentarius Commission - which is jointly set up by the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organisation - has not recommended that such oils be regulated as food additives.

 

The Government does not plan to follow the US, but Dr Ko added that his bureau will examine the need to regulate trans fats according to the latest international developments.

 

He also said the Legislative Council has passed an amendment requiring that the amount of trans fatty acids in infant formula must not exceed 3% of the total content of fatty acids, starting from December 13. But there will be no nutritional composition requirement on follow-up formula and prepackaged food for infants and young children.



Top
Food Safety Focus