Denmark’s ban on industrially-produced trans fatty acids (ITFA)
Copenhagen, Denmark
Vendor and Product Properties, Marketing and Regulation, Labelling, Other (Please specify)
National
Citizens/Consumers, Businesses, Public Sector
Ongoing
In 2003, Denmark introduced a law limiting the amount of trans fat to 2 grams per 100 grams of fat or oil. "Trans fat free” labelled oils must contain ≤ 1 g per 100 g fat. The rule also set up a system of fines and potential criminal penalties for violators.
Back in the 1990s prompted by a study published in The Lancet on trans fat consumption and increased risk of heart disease in the United States , the Danish Nutrition Council began monitoring trans fats in the food supply and produced a series of reports on the health impact of trans fat in Denmark. In 2001, the Council estimated that 50 000 Danes were at high risk for cardiovascular disease from their intake of trans fat, and suggested the Government legislate to limit trans fat content in foods.
Laboratory analyses of food products (especially bakery goods, oils/fats, margarine etc.) to check compliance. Regulatory authority oversight (food safety agencies) set fines / penalties for violations. Surveys of population dietary intake to see how much trans fat people consume (e.g. Dan-MONICA, DANSDA). The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA), under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, is responsible for monitoring and enforcement. They check food products for trans fat content, ensure compliance, and issue penalties for violations.
Denmark’s mandatory elimination of ITFA accounted for approximately 11% of the substantial reduction in CHD (coronary heart disease) deaths observed between 1991 and 2007. The most deprived groups benefited the most, thus reducing inequalities [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35976852/]