ERA/FoEN urges NAFDAC to facilitate process of trans fat regulations

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has urged the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to facilitate approval of the “Pre-packaged Food, Water and Ice Labeling Regulation 2019” and “Fats & Oils Regulation 2019.”

It stated that the two guidelines were aimed at regulating the number of trans fatty acids in the nation’s food chain.

Speaking at the sidelines of the two-year anniversary of the World Health Organisation (WHO’s) R.E.P.L.A.C.E package, which is a step-by-step guide for elimination of industrially-produced trans-fatty acids from the global food supply, the group said NAFDAC should facilitate approval of the regulations as part of responses to COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement by its Head of Media & Campaigns, Philip Jakpor, it noted that WHO had on May 14, 2018, released the replace package, advising governments across the world to eliminate trans fat as key to protecting the health and saving lives.

WHO estimates that every year, trans fat intake causes over 500,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD). adding: “Industrially-produced trans fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats.”

The statement also quoted Deputy Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Akinbode Oluwafemi, as saying: “The world is currently battling the COVID-19 pandemic and scientific evidences have shown that people with existing CVD conditions are prone to complications if they contract COVID-19.

“More than ever before, the nation needs to work fast on laws and policies that will promote healthy lifestyles and speedy approval of the regulations will go a long way in that direction.”