Statement from Dr. Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives
24 JUNE 2024 (NEW YORK, USA)—“At the start of 2024, 53 countries had introduced trans fat regulations, protecting nearly half of the world’s population from this toxic chemical and preventing as many as 183,000 deaths each year. The new 5-year REPLACE report released today by World Health Organization (WHO), with the support of Resolve to Save Lives, details the progress made toward eliminating trans fat from the global food supply since 2018.
“Congratulations to countries for the commitments they’ve made to improving the heart health of their people. Just five countries—China, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia and Iran—account for an estimated two thirds of remaining trans fat-related deaths. Accelerating action to achieve best-practice policies within these countries would get the world close to eliminating 90% of the global trans fat burden by 2025.
“The responsibility does not rest solely on countries. Food manufacturers that have profited from products containing deadly trans fat have a responsibility to consumers to ensure healthier replacements. And, as more and more countries regulate trans fat, and the market for products containing trans fat shrinks, companies can stay ahead of the curve by reformulating products. Several large international companies have already voluntarily committed to eliminate trans fat. Global elimination is within sight.”