A regulatory maximum limit for trans fatty acids!

We informed you at the beginning of October 2018 that a draft regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 was being discussed concerning trans fatty acids other than those naturally present in fats of animal origin.

Following the publication of the EFSA Scientific Opinion of 4 December 2009 and the adoption of a report by the Commission on 3 December 2015 on the adverse effects of trans fatty acid intake, a draft regulation to establish a maximum level for industrial trans fatty acids in foods had been initiated.

This has now been done since Regulation (EU) 2019/649 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 25 April 2019.

This text establishes a regulatory limit of 2g/100g fat in foodstuffs intended for the final consumer and for retail sale for trans fatty acids naturally present in fats of animal origin.

On the other hand, for food not intended for the final consumer or for retail sale, the Regulation requires food business operators who supply other food business operators to forward to the recipients of deliveries information on the content of trans fatty acids (other than trans fatty acids naturally present in fats of animal origin), where this content exceeds 2g/100g fat.

This new regulation comes into force 20 days after its publication date.

Foodstuffs that do not comply with the limit set may be placed on the market until 1 April 2021.