From Denmark to Delhi

The multisectoral challenge of regulating trans fats in India

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15095103
AutoresShauna Downs (0000-0003-2161-3343, The University of Sydney, autor correspondente), Shauna M Downs, Anne Marie Thow (0000-0002-6460-5864, The University of Sydney), Suparna Ghosh‐Jerath (0000-0002-2229-4455, Institute of Public Health Bengaluru), Suparna Ghosh-Jerath, Justin Mcnab (0000-0003-1951-846X, The University of Sydney), K Srinath Reddy (0000-0003-3416-3548, Public Health Foundation of India), Stephen Leeder (0000-0003-3532-7137, The University of Sydney), Stephen R Leeder
Ano2013
Volume16
Fascículo12
Páginas2273-2280
Data de publicação2013-12-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoPublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1368980012004995
PMID23164094
OpenAlexW1978667475
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas10
Referências citadas35

Objective India has proposed legislating an upper limit of trans fat in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and mandating trans fat labelling in an effort to reduce intakes. The objective of the present study was to examine the complexities of regulating trans fat in India by examining the policy processes involved and the perceived implementation challenges. Design Semi-structured interviews ( n 18) were conducted with key informants from various sectors. Interviewees were asked about sources of trans fat in the food supply, existing policies that may influence trans fats and perceived challenges related to the proposed trans fat regulation, in addition to questions tailored to their area of expertise. Interview data were organised based on common themes. Setting Interviews were conducted in India. Subjects Interviewees were key informants from various sectors including agriculture, trade, industry and health. Results Several themes were identified related to the complexity of regulating trans fat in India. A lack of trans fat awareness, the large unorganised retail sector, a need for suitable alternative products that are both acceptable to consumers and affordable, and a need to build capacity were crucial factors affecting India's ability to successfully regulate trans fat. The limited number of food inspectors will create an additional challenge in terms of enforcement of trans fat regulation. Conclusions Although India will face challenges in regulating trans fat, legislating an upper limit of trans fat in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils will likely be the most effective approach to reducing it in the food supply. Ongoing engagement with industry, agriculture, trade and processing sectors will prove essential in terms of product reformulation

Agriculture · Biology · Business · Fat substitute · Geography · Saturated fat · Trans fat · Fatty Acid Research and Health · Medicine · Food Science · Marketing