Request for data: Partially hydrogenated oils in the Canadian food supply

From Health Canada

This call for data is related to the current use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs). PHOs are the main source of industrially produced trans fats in foods.

Between May 30 and June 29, 2016, we will be engaging with key stakeholders.

Why

There's strong evidence linking trans fat intake to coronary heart disease.

Canada is committed to bringing in tougher regulations to eliminate industrially produced trans fats in processed foods. Since the early 2000s, Canada has pursued many approaches to reduce the trans fat intakes of Canadians, including:

• mandatory trans fat labelling
• setting voluntary targets for maximum trans fats in processed foods
• establishing a 2 year program to measure industry's progress toward meeting the voluntary targets, which included:
  • open reporting
  • active monitoring

Despite these efforts, research indicates that approximately 3% of the food supply doesn't meet the trans fat targets. Some of these foods can contribute significant amounts to daily intakes, especially for consumers who consistently choose them.

We conducted a risk assessment that highlighted certain subpopulations as particularly vulnerable, such as:

• children and teens
• price-sensitive consumers
• Canadians living in remote areas

Who

We're requesting information from the following industry stakeholders on the current use of PHOs in foods, including:

• retailers
• importers
• manufacturers
• fats and oils processors
• restaurant and food service:
  • operators
  • distributors

What

The information being solicited by this call for data pertains to PHOs used as food ingredients.

The details we are seeking regarding PHOs include:

• amounts used
• reasons for their continued use
• concentrations of trans fats in them

When and where

The engagements will be available online from May 30 to June 29, 2016, 11:59 pm EST.

How to participate

The consultation document gives you information on the background and details of the request

You may submit your comments by:

• mail
• email, in electronic files such as:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Adobe Acrobat

Your electronic submission should include:

• the words "partially hydrogenated oils data and information" in the subject box
• company name and contact information
  • refer to Table 4 in the Appendix of the consultation document for more details

In order to facilitate the submission of information and data, a spreadsheet containing tables 1 to 4 is available upon request.

Related information

• Food Risk Analysis Publication: Risk Assessment of Exposure to Trans Fat in Canada

Contact us

Health Canada, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences
251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Postal Locator: 2203C
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9

E-mail: Nut.Labelling-Etiquetage@hc-sc.gc.ca