With an increasing number of Jamaicans coming down with cardiovascular disease, which is increasingly linked to the consumption of trans fats, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is taking steps educate the public about the potential health risks.

This is according to the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, who spoke to the efforts of his ministry to dissuade Jamaicans from consuming trans-fatty acids, during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate on Tuesday.

Worldwide, trans fats are said to be a major source of cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks and strokes and is a leading killer in adults. They are usually found in fast foods, baked goods, fats, oils and shortening.

The minister pointed to the findings of a trans-fat study by his ministry, which was done in collaboration with the National Health Fund and the University of Technology. It found that trans fats are found in 117 of 296 food samples or about 39.5 per cent of commonly consumed foods in Jamaica.

According to the study, industrially-produced trans fats are found in 12 of the 15 food categories.

“Although natural trans fats are also found in some food categories, their concentrations are low. These findings must now be infused in the overall engagement of the public around knowing the content of their foods.

“We will begin in the coming months by inviting private sector stakeholders, manufacturers and distributors to present and discuss the findings of our study,” said Tufton.

He noted that trans fats have been deemed so dangerous to the public’s health and a significant contributor to health care costs, that the most advanced countries in the world “and our major trading partners – the United States and Canada have banned their use and there is voluntary agreement between the United Kingdom and industry players not to use artificial trans fats”.

The health and wellness minister said the time has come for Jamaica to move for the elimination of industrial trans fats in its food systems.

“We have started the process of determining how much of our foods contain trans fats. We need to protect the health of Jamaicans and urgently take steps to remove industrially-produced trans fats from our food supply,” he stated.