WHO Honors Saudi Arabia for Eliminating Artificial Trans Fats from Foods

Riyadh, January 30, 2024, SPA -- The World Health Organization (WHO) honored the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) by awarding it a recognition certificate for ensuring that food in the Kingdom is free from industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA).
Saudi Arabia is among five countries, including Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Thailand, acknowledged by the UN health agency for implementing exemplary policies to eliminate iTFA.
During the award ceremony, SFDA CEO Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey expressed gratitude to the WHO for its efforts to promote public health as well as its initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases.
Aljadhey highlighted the Health Sector Transformation Program, which is part of Saudi Vision 2030. The program aims to increase the average lifespan of the population in the Kingdom and ensure a healthy and fulfilling life for all.
In 2017, the SFDA developed a comprehensive strategy for healthy food and nutrition, focusing on improving the nutritional patterns of society and enhancing the nutritional value of food products.
The strategy included the implementation of policies to reduce salt, sugar, and fat content in food products. Additionally, food establishments were required to disclose calorie information to consumers.
Since January 2020, the SFDA has successfully banned partially hydrogenated oils, the main source of trans fats, from the country’s food supply.
Aljadhey indicated that the Kingdom has been keen on implementing a comprehensive system of policies and initiatives aimed at improving dietary patterns and encouraging consumers to choose healthier food products.
He pointed out that the SFDA has taken mandatory and advisory steps to limit the consumption of trans fats since 2015, setting an upper limit for trans fats in oils and fats products not exceeding 2% and 5% in other food products, culminating in the prohibition of partially hydrogenated oils in 2020.
Due to the Kingdom's distinguished measures in implementing regulations to eliminate artificial trans fats, the Kingdom has been appointed as the president of the International Advisory Team for the Elimination of Artificial Trans Fats. It will be represented by SFDA Healthy Food Department Director Faisal bin Fahad bin Sunaid.
The team assesses the requests of member countries for recognition certificates from the World Health Organization (WHO), confirming the absence of artificial trans fats in food products in those countries.
--SPA