AreaCanada
Commodity GroupOilseeds, oils and meals
CommodityHydrogenated vegetable oils
Date01/05/2017
Policy CategoryConsumption and marketing
Policy InstrumentHealth policy
DescriptionAnnounced plans to prohibit the use of partially hydrogenated oils by summer 2018, in a bid to reduce the populations trans-fat intake to the lowest level possible.
NotesFollowing up on a proposal issued last year (see MPPU Dec.16), the Government of Canada is now set to permanently ban partially hydrogenated oils the main source of industrially produced trans fatty acids (or trans fats). The ban will apply to all foods sold in the country, including imported products and foods prepared and served in restaurants. By reducing trans fats in the food supply chain to the lowest level possible, the Government intends to reduce Canadians risk of heart diseases. In order to allow the food industry sufficient time to find suitable alternatives, the ban will only come into force in September 2018. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are widely used in the production of pastries, baked goods and packaged goods to extend shelf life. Canadas ban is consistent with global efforts to eliminate artificial trans fats in foods, including those taken in the United States (see MPPU July15).
