A virtual human chain, marking National Food Safety Day, was organized today (February 02) on Facebook by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), demanding the speedy implementation of "Limiting Trans Fatty Acid in Food Stuffs Regulations 2021". People from different walks of life participated in the human chain.

All the participants of the virtual human chain shared pictures of themselves simultaneously on Facebook, holding placards, festoons and posters with the demand.

Excessive amount of trans fat in the food increases the risk of heart disease and heart disease related premature deaths. The main source of trans fat is Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHO), which is also known as Dalda or Banaspati Ghee. Generally, dalda is used in preparing baked foods, processed foods, and fried snacks, as well as in food preparation by restaurants and street food vendors. Globally, almost 500,000 people die every year due to trans fat-induced heart diseases.

According to the WHO report on Global Trans-fat Elimination 2022, 43 countries including neighboring India have implemented best-practice policies for tackling trans fat in food. However, Bangladesh is still lagging behind in this issue.

In this regard, ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA said, “We appreciate and thank the government for passing the trans fat limiting regulations. However, although this regulation was supposed to be implemented from January 2023, no progress has been noticed so far in this matter. The longer it takes to implement the regulation, the more the risk of heart disease and death from trans fat will increase.”