During the official control, ANSA inspectors sampled a number of foodstuffs of animal origin imported to RM – in accordance with the enhanced control programs. Laboratory analyses conducted by the National Center for Animal Health, Plant Health and Food Safety showed an excess of the maximum permissible content of trans fats in three batches of food (cheddarized, we must assume – “cheese”) products with a total weight of almost 1.5 tons.
The batches of low-quality products were detained – their sale is prohibited. The importer has to make a decision: either return the cargo to the sender or destroy it in accordance with the current legislation.
Exceeding the permissible level of trans fatty acids in the products may occur as a result of: the use of unsuitable raw materials; inappropriate technological processes; non-compliance with quality and food safety standards during production.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), trans fatty acid intake should be kept as low as possible as part of a balanced diet. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the intake of trans fatty acids should not exceed 1% of the daily energy value of the diet, which is approximately 2.2 grams per day for a diet of 2000 kcal.
