GENEVA: Pakistan is among the countries where industrially-produced fat still poses a risk to a considerable number of the population, the World Health Organisation said on Monday.

GENEVA: Pakistan is among the countries where industrially-produced fat still poses a risk to a considerable number of the population, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday.

Industrially-produced trans-fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), are often used in the food industry as they are cheap, have a long shelf life, and are stable at high temperatures. However, they have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death globally.

According to the WHO, trans-fats should make up no more than 1% of a person's daily energy intake. However, in Pakistan, the average intake is estimated to be 2.4%, double the recommended limit. This puts a significant portion of the population at risk of heart disease and other health problems.

The WHO has called on Pakistan to take immediate action to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fats from the food supply. This can be done by introducing laws and regulations that restrict the use of PHOs, as well as by promoting the use of healthier alternatives such as olive oil and sunflower oil.

In addition to legislation, the WHO also recommends that the food industry in Pakistan take steps to reduce the use of trans-fats in their products. This can be done by reformulating products to use healthier fats and oils, as well as by providing clear and accurate labeling on products so that consumers can make informed choices.

The WHO also suggests that the government and health organizations in Pakistan raise awareness about the dangers of trans-fats and the importance of a healthy diet. This can be done through public education campaigns, as well as by training health professionals to provide accurate information to the public.

It is important to note that not all fats are bad for health, and a balanced diet that includes small amounts of healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be beneficial. However, it is crucial to limit the intake of industrially-produced trans-fats, which have been proven to have negative health effects.

The WHO's call for action on trans-fats in Pakistan is part of a global effort to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fats from the food supply. The organization has set a target to eliminate trans-fats from the global food supply by 2023, and over 60 countries have already committed to taking action to meet this goal.

Pakistan has a high burden of heart disease, with an estimated 20% of deaths in the country being caused by cardiovascular diseases. The elimination of industrially-produced trans-fats from the food supply would not only help to reduce the risk of heart disease but also improve the overall health and well-being of the population.

GENEVA: Pakistan is among the countries where industrially-produced fat still poses a risk to a considerable number of the population, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday. The WHO's report, which was released on Monday, revealed that Pakistan is among the countries where the population is at risk due to the high consumption of industrially-produced trans-fat.

Trans-fat, also known as trans fatty acids, are unsaturated fats that are commonly found in processed foods such as baked goods, fried foods, and snack foods. These fats are known to increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions. The WHO has called for the elimination of industrially-produced trans-fat from the global food supply by 2023.

In Pakistan, the consumption of trans-fat is alarmingly high. According to the WHO, the average Pakistani adult consumes about 5-6 grams of trans-fat per day, which is well above the recommended limit of 2 grams per day. This high consumption is primarily due to the widespread use of partially hydrogenated oils in the food industry. These oils are commonly used in the production of fried foods, baked goods, and snack foods.

The high consumption of trans-fat in Pakistan is also linked to the country's growing fast food culture. Fast food outlets, which are increasingly popular in Pakistan, are known to use large amounts of partially hydrogenated oils in their cooking. This has led to a significant increase in the consumption of trans-fat among the population.

The WHO report also highlighted the fact that the population of Pakistan is at a higher risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions due to the high consumption of trans-fat. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Pakistan, accounting for more than 40% of all deaths in the country. The high consumption of trans-fat is a major contributor to this problem.

The WHO's call to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fat from the global food supply by 2023 is a significant step towards reducing the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions in Pakistan. However, this goal can only be achieved if there is a concerted effort by the government, the food industry, and the public to reduce the consumption of trans-fat in the country.

In conclusion, Pakistan is among the countries where industrially-produced fat still poses a risk to a considerable number of the population, and immediate action is needed to eliminate trans-fats from the food supply. The WHO recommends that the government introduce laws and regulations to restrict the use of PHOs, promote the use of healthier alternatives, and raise awareness about the dangers of trans-fats. The food industry also has a role to play by reformulating products and providing clear and accurate labeling. By taking these steps, Pakistan can help to improve the health and well-being of its population and contribute to the global effort to eliminate trans-fats.