The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday reaffirmed a complete ban on the use of partially hydrogenated oils in food products by July 1.
The agency reiterated the planned ban following a call by the WHO — which refused to grant Taiwan observer status at this year’s World Health Assembly, despite objections from the US and the EU — on Monday for world governments to eliminate artificial trans fats from foods by 2023.
From July 1, no food product may utilize artificial partially hydrogenated oils, which is the main dietary source of trans-unsaturated fatty acids, the agency said in a news release.
The measure was authorized under the regulation on the use of hydrogenated oils in food products the government promulgated in 2016, it said.
No food products manufactured after that date would be allowed to contain partially hydrogenated oils, the agency said, adding that infractions would result in fines of NT$30,000 to NT$3 million (US$1,004 to US$100,361) after a warning.
Processed vegetable oils are typically used in the manufacture of food products due to their stability and heat-resistance at the molecular level, which increase the life of the product, but partially hydrogenated oils are also the main source of trans fats, it said.
The consumption of artificial trans fats has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, said Yan Tsung-hai (顏宗海), chief toxicologist at Chang Gung Medical Hospital in New Taipei City’s Linkou District (林口).
Additionally, medical research conducted by doctors and scientists worldwide has found that trans fats are linked to increased risk of obesity, fatty liver disease and Alzheimer’s disease, Yang said.
Trans fats are commonly found in processed foods that utilize vegetable oils or substitute butter, such as cakes, confections, bread, cookies, fried foods and coffee creamers, he added.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
Taiwan Travelogue (臺灣漫遊錄), which earlier this week became the first Taiwanese novel to win the International Booker Prize, is to be adapted into a television series through a Taiwan-Japan coproduction, producer Chang Chen-yu (張辰漁) said yesterday. Chang, a producer at World Softest Production Film Co, wrote on Facebook that the company had been searching for projects with international appeal that retain a strong Taiwanese identity after colleagues and Japanese partners strongly recommended the novel. After reading the book, Chang said he immediately decided to pursue the screen rights. “A great story has the power to transcend time and borders, and connect countless people,”
RSS