Trans fat ban set to reshape Kuwait’s food industry in May
All food facilities, factories, and suppliers in the country are now required to adhere to new regulations targeting hydrogenated fats to eliminate industrial trans-fatty acids.
• Fahad Al-Arbash, head of the Restaurants Union, said the trans–fat ban won’t affect restaurants but will impact factories using trans fats, like chips and baked goods manufacturers.
The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in Kuwait has mandated that all food facilities, factories, and suppliers comply with new regulations on hydrogenated fats to eliminate industrial trans–fatty acids. The policy will take effect next May, according to informed sources.
Al Jarida newspaper reported that the authority plans to hold a press conference next Sunday to outline the implementation mechanism for this regulation, aiming to enhance consumer protection and safety.
Commenting on this step, Fahad Al-Arbash, head of the Restaurants Union, told the newspaper that this decision will not impact restaurants, as many of them use vegetable oils. He pointed out that “factories that rely on trans fats, such as chips factories and baked goods manufacturers, will be affected by the decision.”
It is noteworthy that this decision is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance consumer safety and foster integrated cooperation between government agencies and the private sector in the public interest.
This initiative is based on GCC Technical Regulation 2483 concerning trans fats and product contents, which highlights the potential health risks artificial trans fats pose to societal well-being.
