Trans Fats and Their Regulation in Mexico

摘要

Introduction: Many investigations have consistent evidence of industrially-produced trans fatty acids (TFA) adverse effects on human health, particularly concerning coronary heart disease, blood lipoprotein profiles, inflammation, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Moreover, in Mexico heart diseases and type 2 diabetes are the principal causes of mortality, with the mean intake of TFA in 30% of school-age children and adolescents, and 20% of adults, exceeding international recommendations. Due to this, TFA labeling and regulation in Mexico are highly important. Objective: The goal of this paper is to gather and describe the information about trans fats and their regulation in Mexico in over the last ten years. Method: In June 2005, professors and politicians met as a working group to carry out an action plan for the regulation and usage of TFA in the Mexican food industry, which concluded in a proposed bill. Those involved analyzed: 1) the definition, characteristics, and effects of TFA; 2) the current legislation; and 3) an action plan to be elaborated. Based on the Mexican General Health Law and the Health Secretary's Sanitary Control of activities, establishments, products and services; the working group concluded that there was no regulation in relation to the usage and labeling of TFA. The Mexican Official Standard, NOM-051-SCFI-1994: "General specifications for the labeling of pre-packed foods and non-alcoholic drinks," established in the section 4.2.8.1, stated that providing nutritional information on the labels of the pre-packed products was voluntary. Results: Before the Senate of the Republic, an agreement made by the groups was presented in October, 2005, in which the Ministries of Economy, Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing, Food and Health were urged to give information from their field for specific regulations of TFA labeling of Mexican products. Later in June 2009, the bill was submitted before the Permanent Commission of the Union Congress, and it was decided to modify Paragraph II of Article 212 of the Mexican General Health Law, thereby stating that labels of foods and non-alcoholic drinks should mandatorily include the content of TFA and comparative elements recommended by health authorities. The following year, via the Federal Official Gazette, it was published in the Mexican Official Standard NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010: "General specifications for the labeling of pre-packed foods and non-alcoholic drinks," thus establishing that the amount or type of TFA, should be stated. However, in section 4.2.9: "Nutritional Frontal Labeling," it was established as obligatory that only the nutritional information of saturated fats, other fats, total sugars, sodium and energy be provided on the packaging, therefore not specifically mentioning TFA. Conclusion: Partially hydrogenated oils are food additives with clear adverse effects and their regulation is a public health priority. Developed countries, such as England and Denmark have implemented TFA elimination policies, which have been followed by a decrease in CVD mortality rates. There is still much need for improvement in terms of the TFA content in Mexican food. There is an evident need to help consumers with interpreting food labels, particularly regarding TFA.