Cargill, which has been producing in accordance with trans fat standards in Turkey for many years, has carried this approach to the world.
As of January 1, 2024, Cargill's entire edible fats and oils portfolio complies with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended maximum tolerance level for industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) in fats and oils. Cargill achieved this milestone by becoming the first global supplier to implement the WHO recommended standard of a maximum of two grams of industrial trans fatty acids (iTFA) per 100 grams of fat/oil across its entire edible oil portfolio worldwide, including in countries where this is not currently a legal requirement .
While Cargill announced its commitment to eliminate iTFAs from its fats and oils portfolio in December 2021, this achievement reflected decades of work. The company's iTFA journey spans more than a quarter of a century, including early innovation, investment of millions of dollars in capital expenses and resources, and thousands of R&D hours. Throughout the process, Cargill has helped more than 400 customers create nutritious, delicious products that contribute to happier, healthier lives and eliminated more than 680 tons of products containing iTFA from the global food supply.
“We are pleased to see that Cargill continues its commitment to reduce industrially produced trans fats in all its oils and has recently achieved its goals of complying with the World Health Organization's recommended standards,” said René Lammers, PepsiCo's Chief Scientific Officer. “It is aligned with 's successful reduction of iTFAs in our foods to meet the same standard, and we encourage our industry partners to join us in this important initiative to evolve our food and beverage portfolio to be better for the planet and people.” said.
On the other hand, WHO stated in its latest progress report that policies limiting the use of iTFAs are implemented only in 60 of the world's countries and cover approximately 43 percent of the global population. This leaves most of the world's consumers at risk for continued iTFA consumption. The report called on major oil and fat suppliers to “follow Cargill's pioneering efforts to eliminate industrially produced TFA from products sold to food manufacturers globally.”
