OTTAWA — Health Canada reported on Feb. 12 that 80% of the pre-packaged foods in the Canadian food supply selected for review met a trans fat limit set by a Trans Fat Task Force in June of 2006.
"Our government is pleased to see that industry has reduced the level of trans fat in many pre-packaged foods," said Leona Aglukkaq, health minister. "This was achieved by finding healthier alternatives without increasing the levels of saturated fat."
The Trans Fat Task Force recommended a limit of 2% of the total fat content for all vegetable oils and soft, spreadable margarines, and a limit of 5% of the total fat content for all other foods, including ingredients sold to restaurants. The review sampled bakery products from grocery stores, foods from restaurants serving Asian cuisines, donuts and muffins from coffee and donut shops, and pre-packaged foods from grocery stores.
The latest review marked the third set of data to be released from Health Canada’s Trans Fat Monitoring Program. The first two sets of reviews sampled foods from family restaurants and fast-food chains and packaged foods. Data from the fourth and final set will be announced this summer.