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Apr 16, 2021 - Foods

EU decision: New limit for industrial trans fats in food

The EU Commission has set a limit for industrial trans fatty acids (TFA) in food products for retail and end consumers. Since April 2, 2021, products may contain no more than two percent of these fatty acids. However, foods that naturally contain TFA, such as milk, butter, or meat, are not affected. The EU is thus following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

TFA occur, among other things, in baking margarines and frying oils, and therefore in fatty baked goods or fried products.

TFAs are unsaturated fatty acids that can form both naturally and through food processing technology. According to the WHO, a high intake of TFAs increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) therefore recommends taking up to a maximum of one percent of daily food energy from TFAs. In Germany, according to the current assessment of the BFederal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the average intake in all age groups is below this value.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for TFAs. We deliver fast and reliable results.

For questions, our customer advisors are very happy to assist you.

Source:

 Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture : www.bmel.de and www.bmel.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE