The consumer case for EU legal restrictions on the use of artificial trans-fats in food - BEUC position paper

Alarming amounts of industrially-produced trans fatty acids (IP-TFAs) can still be found in many pre-packed and takeaway products such as margarine, biscuits, cakes, waffles, pizzas and chips. Regular consumption of these products puts certain consumer in risk categories of developing chronic diet-related diseases, in particular coronary heart disease. Indeed recent research has shown young consumers and low-income families still consume high levels of IP-TFAs, while eastern European consumers
are currently more exposed to IP-TFAs than their western neighbours.

This position paper outlines BEUC’s views on IP-TFAs and aims to inform policymakers about the consumer perspective on this issue. It is based on data provided by BEUC member organisations - who carried out tests on the presence of IP-TFAs in a wide variety of food products - and academic researchers working in this field.