OUR CORRESPONDENT
ISLAMABAD: In a move towards regulating industrially produced trans-fats (iTFAs) in Pakistan, youth leaders from various educational institutions, under the Transform Pakistan campaign, have successfully organized a series of consultative roundtable discussions. These events emphasized the adoption of best practice policies, including setting a limit of no more than two percent iTFA of the total fats in all foods.
Spearheaded by Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA) with support from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C) and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the campaign aims to advocate for conflict-free iTFA regulations through dialogue.
These youth-led initiatives have been instrumental in mobilizing support for regulatory measures. The discussions provided a platform for collaboration among key stakeholders, including representatives from the Punjab Food Authority (PFA), Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), and academia, who shared insights into strengthening iTFA regulations.
Bareera Munir from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, who led a roundtable discussion titled “Regulating and Eliminating Trans-Fatty Acids from Dietary Sources in Pakistan,” highlighted the significance of these engagements. “The roundtable at UVAS was pivotal in engaging high-level stakeholders to support iTFA regulations,” Munir stated.
Dr. Waqas Ahmed, Assistant Professor at UVAS, praised the proactive involvement of the youth, calling it highly encouraging for both young participants and the coalition advocating for iTFA regulations.
Continuing this momentum, a second policy dialogue, “Limiting Trans Fats in Food Supply Chain: Policy Options,” was held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, emphasizing the urgency of iTFA regulations in the country.
Munawar Hussain, Country Lead at GHAI, highlighted the public health implications, stating, “Government regulatory bodies must realize the urgency and set a mandatory limit of iTFAs to no more than two percent of total fats in all foods.”
Dr. Qasim Raza, Deputy Director at the Punjab Food Authority, and Dr. Saba Amjad, CEO of Heartfile, echoed the need for strict regulations, citing research indicating high iTFA levels in cooking oils claiming to be virtually trans-fat-free.
Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, DG NIFSAT, stressed the urgency to regulate iTFAs, promising continued academic support for achieving best practice policies.
“As the campaign moves forward, the success of these youth-led initiatives demonstrates the power of collective action and the crucial role young people play in shaping a healthier future for Pakistan,” concluded the Program Implementation Lead at PYCA.
