Qualitative monitoring of the impact of the new legislation regulating the use of industrial trans fats in the composition of cookies, sweets, chocolates, and cake mixes marketed in Uberlândia (MG)

Abstract

The relationship between trans fat consumption and the risk of developing non-communicable chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, has been recognized since the 1990s. In Brazil, this concern led to the implementation of RDC 632/22, which restricted the use of industrial trans fats in food products. The aim was to monitor the impact of the new legislation regulating the use of industrial trans fats in the composition of cookies, sweets, chocolates, and cake mixes sold in Uberlândia (MG). This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study in which 98 labels were analyzed, collected at two different time points. The results showed no significant changes (p>0,05) in the number of ingredients. These ingredients contain or may contain trans fats, fats and oils, and food additives between the two collection periods. Moreover, hydrogenated vegetable fat and vegetable fat (ingredients that contain or may contain industrial trans fats) were detected in both collection periods. In conclusion, even after the ban on the use of industrial trans fats in food products, the food industry still uses ingredients that may contain them. This study highlights the need for further research on the implementation of RDC 632/22 regarding industrialized foods to understand the long-term impact of this legislation, as well as to provide relevant information that may contribute to the monitoring of the new regulation’s enforcement.