The trans fatty acid story in Denmark

Atheroscler Suppl. 2006 May;7(2):43-6. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosissup.2006.04.010. Epub 2006 May 24.

Abstract

The Danish story started with the publication of Willett's Lancet paper in 1993, and ended when industrially produced trans fatty acids (IP-TFA) were reduced at the Danish market following a ban in 2003. The Danish Nutrition Council, established in 1992, was the driving force behind a campaign that convinced Danish politicians that IP-TFA could be removed from foods without any effect on taste, price or availability of foods. The Nutrition Council argued that as no positive health effect of IP-TFA had ever been reported, then just the suspicion that a high intake exerts harmful effects on health could justify a ban. The Danish success story might be interesting for other countries where this unnecessary health hazard could be eliminated from their foods.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Denmark
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated* / adverse effects
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated* / history
  • Dietary Supplements* / adverse effects
  • Dietary Supplements* / history
  • Food Industry / history
  • Food Industry / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Government Agencies* / history
  • Government Agencies* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Trans Fatty Acids* / adverse effects
  • Trans Fatty Acids* / history

Substances

  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • Trans Fatty Acids