By Rose Nabwire
Invisible but deadly, trans fats lurk in our foods, posing a serious threat to our health. These artificial fats, created during food processing, have been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Despite this, they continue to sneak into our diets, often unnoticed. The East African Community (EAC) stands at a critical juncture where a regional regulation could save lives and promote better health for all.
Trans fat, or trans-fatty acids (TFA), are unsaturated fatty acids originating from industrial or natural sources, with over 278,000 global deaths attributed annually to industrially produced trans-fat intake. Known for clogging arteries and heightening the risk of heart attacks and fatalities, industrially produced trans-fat is prevalent in margarine, vegetable shortening, Vanaspati ghee, fried foods, and baked goods like crackers, biscuits, and pies, commonly found in street and restaurant fare. Furthermore, trans fat occurs naturally in meat and dairy products from ruminant animals, such as cows, sheep, and goats. Both forms of trans fat, industrial and natural, pose health risks.
Dr. Lilian Mbau, a preventive cardiovascular medicine specialist, explains, ” Industrially produced trans fats are the worst type of fat to eat. They significantly increase your likelihood or developing heart disease and stroke by increasing the bad cholesterol levels (Low Density Lipoprotein) and lowering the good cholesterol levels (High Density Lipoprotein). Due to its harmful effects, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling upon countries to develop policies to eliminate industry produced trans fats to protect the population from the harmful effects.”
Implementing a regional regulation in the EAC to limit the use of trans fats would have a profound impact on public health. It would save lives by reducing the incidence of heart diseases, obesity, hypertension, and stroke, among other diet- related noncommunicable diseases which are the leading causes of death in the region.
It would also reduce healthcare costs, as fewer people would require treatment for these preventable diseases. Additionally, it would promote a healthier food environment, encouraging food manufacturers to use alternative methods of producing fats and oils to avoid hydrogenation which leads to the development of trans fats.
Nutrition Scientist Gideon Ogutu notes that, “Trans fats are often found in processed foods, fast foods, and snacks. They are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) eliminating trans fats from our food, we can improve the health of our communities.”
A regional regulation in the EAC would show that the health of East Africans is a top priority. It would demonstrate a commitment to promoting healthy diets and lifestyles, which are essential for a thriving and prosperous region. By prioritizing health, policymakers in the EAC can lead the way in protecting the well-being of their citizens and future generations.
Celine Awuor Chief Executive Officer at the International Institute noted that “Our goal is to raise awareness about the harms of trans fats and advocate for policies that promote healthier food options. A regional regulation would not only improve the health of East Africans but also set an example for other regions to follow.”
According to Elizabeth Mbugua, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a regional regulation to limit the use of trans fats in the East African Community (EAC) is urgently needed to safeguard the health of our citizens. With the movement of foods across borders, a regional approach is essential to ensure consistent protection for all EAC members. By implementing such regulation, we can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and promote healthier food environments for our communities. The EAC can lead the way in building a healthier, more prosperous future for all East Africans.
