USA – Cargill, a global leader in food and agriculture, has become the first worldwide edible oils supplier to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended maximum tolerance level for industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) in fats and oils.
According to the company, the achievement ensures that every customer, regardless of location, can be confident in the compliance of the company’s fats and oils with WHO standards, limiting iTFA content to no more than two grams per 100 grams of fats/oils.
Cargill had previously committed to eliminating iTFAs from its fats and oils portfolio in December 2021.
The accomplishment is the result of decades of dedicated work, with Cargill’s iTFA journey spanning over 25 years, involving significant investments, research and development, and collaboration with over 400 customers globally.
The company’s commitment aligns with the WHO’s call for the global elimination of iTFAs by 2023 due to their association with coronary heart disease events and mortality.
Cargill’s achievement is not limited to countries with legislative mandates; it encompasses their entire worldwide edible oils portfolio.
Cargill has invested US$8.5 million in the past two years to upgrade facilities, reducing transfat during oil processing.
Moreover, the company has collaborated with over 100 additional customers in two dozen countries to reformulate new product solutions meeting the WHO standards.
“This move aligns with PepsiCo’s successful reduction of iTFAs in our foods to meet this same standard, and we encourage our fellow industry partners to join us in this important initiative,” René Lammers, PepsiCo’s Chief Science Officer stated while commending Cargill’s commitment.
To ensure compliance, Cargill has integrated iTFAs into its larger food safety and quality assurance program, incorporating monitoring, compliance, and auditing layers.
The WHO’s latest progress report highlighted the need for global iTFA elimination, emphasizing Cargill’s pioneering efforts and urging other major suppliers to follow suit.
Natasha Orlova, Cargill Vice President for Edible Oils and Managing Director for North America, emphasized the feasibility of meeting iTFA recommendations without altering taste or texture, urging industry players to remove iTFAs from all products.
Cargill’s commitment extends to advancing industry-wide reformulation globally, collaborating on public awareness campaigns and sharing expertise in iTFA reformulation in countries without existing regulations.
Cargill’s strides in meeting the stringent guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and WHO reflect a dedicated commitment to reducing trans-fat levels while maintaining product functionality and customer satisfaction.
The company encouraged others to embrace similar initiatives for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food industry.
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