Saudi Arabia achieves significant milestone by obtaining the WHO Validation Certificate of Trans Fat Elimination

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Validation Certificate of Trans Fat Elimination has been obtained by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as represented by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). This accomplishment places the Kingdom among the first five countries globally to hold this certificate.

This accomplishment aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the healthcare sector reform programme, which are to improve health risk prevention strategies and cultivate a dynamic community that prioritises healthy living.

The WHO awards this certification based on a number of factors, such as the member state's implementation of an optimal trans-fatty acid (TFA) eradication policy and the establishment of strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

The Kingdom has achieved notable progress in meeting the targets and indicators outlined by the healthcare sector transformation programme, in addition to improving the nutritional value of its food products, by doing away with industrially produced TFA, also referred to as partially hydrogenated oil (PHO).

These include raising the average lifetime of those living in the Kingdom, lowering the frequency of long-term conditions like heart attacks, and making sure that everyone has access to a happy, healthy, and rewarding life.

Recently, the Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) developed legislation to outlaw trans fats in accordance with Vision 2030 and WHO recommendations. The Saudi Technical Regulation No. SFDA.FD 2483 Trans Fatty Acids (Trans Fats) forbade the use of partially hydrogenated oils in the food industry.

All food items meant for human consumption are subject to this law, with the exception of trans fats from foods derived from animals and hydrogenated oils that are entirely obtained organically.

In May 2023, WHO called on member states to submit applications for the first Trans Fat Elimination Validation Programme; the second session would start the following year.