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Suggestions/Guidelines for fat/oil manufacturers for the elimination of trans fats:

The use of newer technologies can help in eliminating industrial trans-fats from fats/oils. In India, several fat/oil manufacturers have switched to newer technologies to eliminate industrial trans-fats. Some of these have been described below.

Inter-esterification (enzymatic/chemical inter-esterification):

Inter-esterification refers to modifying the structure and functionality of fats and oils to produce food ingredients for a range of applications, which can help in reducing the levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA). In India, majority of the oils and fats manufactures have already adopted new technologies to produce trans-free fats.

Selection of Raw Material and Blending options:

Proper selection of oils and blending of saturated fat or inter-esterified or fully hydrogenated vegetable fats with liquid oils in a pre-defined ration can be done to achieve the desired product and functionality.

Monitoring and modifying hydrogenation process:

The following non-selective conditions during the hydrogenation process can be modified to reduce the formation of trans fats.

• High hydrogen gas pressure
• High Stirring speed
• Low Temperature
• Using fresh Nickel Catalysts can reduce the formation of trans fats in PHVO
• Higher catalyst concentration (Not using spent catalyst)

Modifying the deodorization process:

Temperature combination during deodorization process can limit the formation of trans fats.

Laboratory Analysis:

FSSAI has released revised methods for the determination of trans fats in hydrogenated fats/oils. Fat/oil manufacturers should ensure regular analysis of fats/oils for their trans-fat content from NABL accredited and FSSAI notified lab.

Trans fat free Logo:

Fat/oil manufacturers are advised to get their products tested for trans fats and if the product is free from trans fats, trans fat free logo may be used on the products. This will help consumers and food manufacturers identify trans-fat free fat/oil use.

Storage and Transportation:

Storage and transportation of trans-free fats at low ambient temperatures to retain the texture may be maintaining, if needed.

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