A delegation from the Uganda National Health Consumers Organization (UNHCO) has urged the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to implement stricter regulations on industries producing trans-fatty acids.
While at the Parliament of Uganda on Thursday, November 7, 2024, UNHCO called upon the East African Community governments to adopt stringent measures to reduce the public health risks associated with these fats.
Mable Kukunda, the UNHCO advocacy officer, highlighted that 80% of trans-fatty acid products in the region originate from Kenya.
To further mitigate the issue, Moses Talibita, the UNHCO legal officer, proposed a ban on billboards advertising foods laden with trans fats.
EALA Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana, while receiving the petition during a recent session at Parliament, expressed strong support for the UNHCO’s petition, emphasizing the need for a coordinated regional approach to combat the health crisis.
He acknowledged the urgent need for stricter regulations across all East African Community member states.
According to the World Health Organization, over 278,000 deaths worldwide are attributed to the consumption of industrially produced trans fats annually. These harmful fats are commonly found in processed foods like margarine, vegetable shortening, fried foods, and baked goods.
