By Abdullahi Lukman
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially recognized Austria, Norway, Oman, and Singapore for their successful efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their food supplies.
The recognition was presented by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly on May 19, 2025, in Geneva.
Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that eliminating industrially produced trans fats is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases.
“Trans fats are a major contributor to preventable deaths, especially due to their impact on heart health,” he stated.
The recognition highlights these countries’ implementation of best-practice policies, alongside effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to protect public health.
Industrial trans fats, which are found in many baked goods, fried foods, and margarine, are a known cause of heart disease, responsible for over 278,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Austria, one of the pioneers in this effort, introduced comprehensive measures to eliminate trans fats, with a European Union-wide regulation now in place.
“Bold, evidence-based policies can deliver real public health impact,” said Austria’s Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection, Korinna Schumann.
In Oman, Health Minister Dr. Hilal bin Ali bin Hilal Alsabti expressed pride in the country’s commitment to eliminating trans fats, noting that nearly 60 countries now have best-practice policies in effect, covering 46 percent of the global population.
Norway’s Minister of Health and Care Services, Jan Christian Vestre, emphasized the success of their efforts, stating that their robust policies are showing measurable results in reducing trans fat intake.
“It is not only possible to reduce trans fat intake but to virtually eliminate it,” he said.
Singapore’s Health Minister, Mr. Ong Ye Kung, reflected on the country’s progress, noting that their journey to eliminate trans fats began over a decade ago and has resulted in significant public health benefits.
WHO’s validation program recognizes countries that have implemented not only best-practice policies but also rigorous systems for monitoring and enforcing them.
The program’s goal is to support governments in reducing or eliminating trans fats from the food supply, a low-cost intervention with high economic returns through improved population health and reduced healthcare costs.
WHO continues to encourage countries to apply for the TFA elimination validation program, with the next application cycle closing on August 31, 2025.
