Echoing a long-standing BEUC ask, in 2019 the European Commission adopted legislation to restrict industrially-produced trans-fatty acids in food from 2021. The EU agreed to a maximum of 2g of trans-fats per 100 g of fat.  

Why it is important  

Also called ‘trans fats’, these unsaturated fatty acids have no nutritional benefits but promote ill health. They have been proven to increase risks of heart disease and stroke by raising bad and lowering good cholesterol. Before the EU reined in their use, artery-clogging trans fats were used in many pre-packed and take-away products. Common examples include margarine, biscuits, cakes, sweets, waffles, pizzas and chips.  

What BEUC did

BEUC has issued many wake-up calls about the need for legal limits to restrict the use of those harmful fats in the food we eat. Back in 2006, BEUC already stressed the necessity to introduce caps or bans. Our member organisations, such as Testachats in Belgium and UFC-Que Choisir in France, continuously voiced the same concerns for many years, finding abnormally high levels in their tests.  

BEUC was not alone in its effort to curb trans fats consumption. Back in 2011, failing to reach a deal on the best option to limit their consumption, Members of the European Parliament and Member States governments asked the Commission to publish a report exploring different options - including laws.  

BEUC also teamed up with major international food companies and health NGOs to call on the European Commission to act. Committed businesses were Nestlé, Mars, Kellogg’s and Mondelēz. EU-wide legal limits help food businesses operate across the EU who have to comply with a single standard.