World Heart Day: Kenya urged to close policy gap on industrially produced trans fats

As the world observes World Heart Day, Kenya has been urged to take stronger regulatory measures to eliminate industrially produced trans fats in order to curb the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Despite a recent review of regulations under Legal Notice No. 115 of 2015, calls persist for more stringent actions. With a burgeoning non-communicable disease crisis, Kenya has yet to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of limiting industrially produced trans fats to not more than two grams per 100 grams of food, eliminating partially hydrogenated oils, and mandating transparent nutritional labeling.

Statistics reveal that cardiovascular diseases account for about 25 percent of hospital admissions in Kenya, while 13 percent of autopsies identify them as the cause of death. The Ministry of Health also highlighted that non-communicable diseases are responsible for 39 percent of yearly deaths in the country. Families are bearing the brunt, losing loved ones, facing exorbitant medical bills, and dealing with income loss.

The International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) is advocating for action to bridge the policy gap and bolster consumer protection. Programme Officer Kelvin Mithamo emphasized that adopting stringent regulations to eliminate trans fats would significantly safeguard Kenyan health. Civil society organizations echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for effective implementation and enforcement of consumer protection laws and measures that promote healthier food environments.

They urged Kenya to promptly adopt and enforce a mandatory limit for industrially produced trans fats in both locally produced and imported foods, backed by robust monitoring, testing, and enforcement.

The 2019 World Heart Day theme, "Don't Miss a Beat," underscores the urgency for Member States, WHO, and stakeholders to recommit to reducing preventable and premature CVD deaths. A study by The George Institute for Global Health and IILA suggests that if Kenya limited industrially produced trans fats to the WHO-recommended level, it could prevent around 17,000 heart disease cases and 2,000 deaths in the first decade, while potentially saving about 40 million US dollars (Ksh 4.1 billion) for the healthcare system.