A coalition of over 115 agricultural, health, and sustainability experts from Africa, Europe, and the Americas is raising concerns over a draft United Nations declaration aimed at eliminating trans-fatty acids globally.
Signatories warn that a blanket ban on all trans-fats could unintentionally jeopardize the nutritional health of the world’s poorest populations, particularly in developing countries.
The draft resolution proposes to eliminate all trans-fatty acids from diets to combat rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and diabetes.
While industrial trans-fats—produced through food processing—are linked to adverse health outcomes, experts emphasize that naturally occurring trans-fats in animal-source foods like milk and meat are present at low levels and may actually offer health benefits, including protection against type 2 diabetes.
“A blanket elimination risks depriving vulnerable populations of vital nutrients,” said the open letter, coordinated by the Nairobi-based International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). “In particular, dairy, meat, and other animal-source foods are highly nutritious, affordable, and essential in low-income countries where malnutrition and undernutrition remain critical issues.”
Research indicates that animal-source foods are rich in high-quality proteins and micronutrients—such as Vitamins A and B12, calcium, zinc, and iodine—that are essential for growth and development. For example, children who consume milk daily can grow up to three percent faster per month, yet average milk intake remains alarmingly low in many developing regions.
“Milk is among the most cost-effective, nutrient-dense foods available,” noted ILRI Director General’s Representative in Ethiopia, Namukolo Covic.
“For many low-income families, animal-source foods are the only reliable source of essential nutrients. We must be cautious not to eliminate beneficial low-level trans-fats in these foods while targeting the industrially produced ones.”
The signatories, including representatives from the African Union’s AU-IBAR, GAIN, and the UN Committee on Food Security, argue that policy on trans-fats should differentiate between industrial trans-fats and natural trans-fats in animal-source foods. The latter account for a negligible portion of total trans-fat consumption but are crucial in supporting nutrition, especially where access to diverse diets is limited.
The draft UN resolution, currently under review, is expected to be finalized and presented for endorsement at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. Meanwhile, countries worldwide are preparing to evaluate progress at the UN High-Level Political Forum, taking place in New York from July 14 to 23, focused on advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3—good health and well-being.
“Transforming our food systems must include safeguards for nutrition and sustainability,” said Professor Ruth Oniang’o, a leading expert in food science and nutrition.
“A nuanced approach that recognizes the low natural levels of trans-fats in animal-source foods, and their vital role in preventing malnutrition, is essential for a fair and effective policy.”
As the global community works toward healthier, more sustainable diets, experts urge policymakers to ensure that environmental, nutritional, and social considerations are all taken into account—protecting both the planet and its most vulnerable populations.
