Comments and Correspondence
ICGMA COMMENTS TO CODEX ON DEFINITION OF TRANS-FAT
October 30, 2003
Dr. Rolf Grossklaus
Chairman of the Codex Committee on Nutrition
and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR)
P.O. Box 33 00 1314191
Berlin, Germany
Dear Dr. Grossklaus:
The International Council of Grocery Manufacturers Associations
(ICGMA) is pleased to provide input on Matters Referred
to the Committee by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and/or Other
Codex Committees New Work for the Definition of Trans-Fat.
ICGMA, a recognized INGO before the Codex Alimentarius Commission,
represents the interests of national and regional associations who
collaborate with all sectors of the consumer packaged goods industry.
ICGMA promotes the harmonization of scientific standards and policies
concerned with health, safety, packaging, and labeling of foods,
beverages, and other consumer packaged goods. ICGMA also works to
facilitate international trade in these sectors by elimination or
preventing artificial barriers to trade.
ICGMA supports new work to define “trans-fatty acids”
and supports the following definition:
"Trans fat is defined as only the trans fatty acids with
nonconjugated double bonds (fully hydrogenated oils and partially
hydrogenated oils); conjugated linoleic acid (naturally occurring
in meat and dairy products) would be excluded from the definition
of trans fat.
This proposed definition for trans-fat is takes into account the
fact that the identification of trans-fatty acids is based on the
actual chemical structures of the fatty acids. ICGMA supports this
definition because it would exclude fatty acids with conjugated
bonds; fatty acids that are metabolized differently than those with
non-conjugated bonds.
ICGMA appreciates the opportunity to submit these comments.
Respectively yours,
Mari Stull
Executive Secretary
International Council Grocery Manufacturers Associations
cc: Secretary, Codex Alimentarius Commission,
Joint WHO/FAO Food Standards Programme,
FAO,
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100
Rome, Italy
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