Islamabad, 15th Dec 2025(Ghufran): The Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi, in collaboration with Nutrition International, organized a specialized training session in Islamabad held at Margalla Hotel focusing on the elimination of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) from edible fats and oils. The session brought together manufacturers from leading edible fat industries, as well as officials from the Islamabad Food Authority, AJ&K Food Authority, GB, Baluchistan Food Authority, PANAH delegate and Heart File.
The program opened with remarks from Dr. Khawaja Masood Ahmed, renowned Fortification Expert, who emphasized the national importance of reducing iTFA levels to protect public health and align with WHO recommendations.
Technical presentations were delivered by Dr. S. M. Ghufran Saeed, Associate Professor, and Dr. M. Abdul Haq, Chairman, Department of Food Science and Technology, who outlined evidence-based methods for achieving the mandated 2% iTFA limit. The discussion covered processing optimization, reformulation pathways, and standard SOPs that can help industries transition toward healthier fat profiles without compromising product functionality. The team members including Moin Qureshi, Dr. Seema Ashraf and Dr. Syed Arsalan Ali actively participated in the session.
The session was graced by Mr. Abdul Hameed Kiyani, Secretary Food and Director General, AJ&K Food Authority, as Chief Guest. He appreciated the collaborative initiative and affirmed the authority’s commitment to strengthening compliance mechanisms, enhancing surveillance, and supporting industry to adopt iTFA-free production techniques. Dr. Saba Amjad from Heartfile concluded the session with reflections on the health burden associated with trans fats and the importance of multi-sectoral engagement.
Mr. Sana Ullah Ghumman, General Secretary PANAH, has attended and reiterated the urgency of eliminating harmful fats from the food supply. He said that the rapid increase in non-communicable diseases in Pakistan is very worrying. The consumption of trans fats is a major reason for the increase in these diseases. We, the health organizations, urge the government to immediately enact legislation to reduce trans fats so that the loss of precious human lives can be prevented.
Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on the regulatory requirements and technical possibilities for achieving near-zero trans fats. All attendees unanimously agreed that the 2% iTFA limit must be strictly implemented nationwide to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and ensure safer edible fat consumption.
The training ended with a shared resolve to intensify capacity-building efforts, harmonize SOPs, and promote industry-regulator collaboration for complete iTFA elimination in Pakistan.