t was a typical day in the parliament when I received an invitation to a roundtable discussion organised by the Pakistan Youth Change Advocates under their TRANSFORM Pakistan campaign. As a Member of the National Assembly, I’ve always believed in engaging with diverse perspectives to better understand the issues affecting our citizens. Little did I know, however, that this roundtable would open my eyes to a silent yet significant public health crisis: the consumption of industrially produced trans fats (iTFAs) and the urgent need for a legislative ban on the production and distribution of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary raw material used in the making of iTFAs.

As I listened to health experts, civil society activists and policymakers delve into the urgency of eliminating iTFAs from our dietary sources to protect millions of Pakistanis from the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), I was struck by the gravity of the situation.

For the uninitiated, industrial trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that undergoes an industrial process to increase shelf life and artificially enhance the flavour of processed foods. While these qualities make them a favourite among food manufacturers, the health risks they pose are alarming. Trans fats are a leading contributor to cardiovascular diseases, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Shockingly, trans fats are linked to over 200,000 deaths caused by heart disease in Pakistan each year.

One of the most shocking revelations at the roundtable was the pervasive presence of iTFA in common food items such as cooking oils, banaspati ghee, margarine, baked goods, fried snacks, dairy products and ultra-processed foods. These products are staples in most Pakistani households, consumed daily by adults and children alike. The lack of awareness about their harmful effects and the absence of stringent regulations or legislative measures have allowed the problem to fester.

In equal measure inspired and alarmed by the conversation, I left the roundtable with a new sense of purpose. As legislators, we bear the responsibility of safeguarding public health. There can be no two opinions that this issue demands immediate and decisive action.

The cornerstone of any effective strategy is an effective legislation. Sixty-three countries across the globe, including those with similar socio-economic indicators as Pakistan like India, Egypt, Thailand and Bangladesh, have already adopted the international best practice of not merely regulating industrial trans fats to less than 2 percent of the total fats in all foods but many of those have also banned the production and distribution of PHOs.

Eliminating trans fats from our food supply will save countless lives, reduce healthcare expenditures and improve the overall quality of life for our citizens. 

While the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority is working to passing a regulation limiting iTFAs to less than 2 percent of total fat in all foods, we must also make serious efforts to enact a legislative ban on PHOs so that the food available to every Pakistani – irrespective of their geography or socio-economic status is safe from the hazards of industrial trans fats. With this two-pronged approach, legislation will provide a sound legal framework, while effective regulation will ensure compliance.

This brings me to my second point: empowering the federal and provincial food authorities to enforce the ban on PHOs rigorously. This includes regular inspections of food production facilities, testing of food products for trans fat content and imposing stringent penalties for violations.

To facilitate this, we need to invest in the capacity of the regulatory bodies. This includes training personnel, equipping laboratories with advanced testing technologies and ensuring strong inter-agency coordination. Additionally, a transparent system for monitoring and reporting trans fat levels in food products must also be established, with data made publicly available to hold manufacturers accountable.

Legislation coupled with public awareness could drive this important cultural shift needed to eliminate trans fats from our diets. Public awareness is a critical component of this strategy. Most Pakistanis are unaware of the health risks associated with trans fats. Many do not even know they are consuming them.

A countrywide awareness campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and supported by media outlets, civil society and educational institutions, is critical. This campaign should aim to educate citizens about the dangers of trans fats, promote healthier alternatives, and encourage demand for trans-fat-free products.

As parliamentarians, we are uniquely positioned to champion this cause. Our legislative authority allows us to shape policies that prioritise public health and our platform enables us to amplify the voices of those advocating for change. Beyond legislation, we must also allocate adequate resources in the federal and provincial budgets to support both enforcement and awareness.

As I write this, I am well aware that the journey towards a trans fats-free Pakistan will not be without challenges. The food industry may resist change and regulatory bodies may face resource constraints. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Eliminating trans fats from our food supply will save countless lives, reduce healthcare expenditures and improve the overall quality of life for our citizens. As a nation, we have demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of numerous challenges. By prioritising public health and working collaboratively, we can eliminate trans fats from our diets and pave the way for a healthier, brighter future for all Pakistanis.

The writer is a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan