In 2024, Thailand was one of the five countries WHO awarded its first-ever certificates validating progress in eliminating industrially produced trans fatty-acids. h Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Saudi Arabia, Thailand demonstrated that it has a best-practice policy for iTFA elimination supported by strong monitoring and enforcement systems. 

Trans fatty acids (TFA), which exist in industrial and natural forms, are linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Common in processed foods such as fried items, baked goods, and ready meals, iTFA offers no health benefits and is often found in foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt. Recognizing the harmful impact of iTFA on public health, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health took a preventive measure by banning the production, importation, and sale of Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHO) in 2018. 

Policy Development and Implementation 

WHO recommend two best-practice policy options: 1) mandatory national limit of 2 grams of iTFA per 100 grams of total fat in all foods; and 2) mandatory national ban on the production or use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs)-a major source of trans fat as an ingredient in all foods. 

In Thailand, increasing availability of imported processed foods was raising public health concern for the country. The Ministry of Public Health determined that banning PHO was the most cost-effective strategy for protecting public health, ensuring the population was not exposed to harmful fats found in processed foods. 

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took the lead with implementing and enforcing the ban of PHOs. FDA adopted a supply-chain approach, working closely with the country's largest domestic PHO producers. The FDA ensured that these producers provided TFA-free oils and fats to local food manufacturers, a vital step in reducing iTFA in the Thai food supply. To guide manufacturers and importers, the FDA developed compliance guidelines and conducted informational meetings to ensure adherence to the new regulations. 
Awareness generation campaign was done to make the public aware about iTFA 

Monitoring and Enforcement 

To support the PHOs ban, the Thai FDA developed a robust system of monitoring and enforcement. This included product sampling, testing, and inspecting production and import sites, as well as checking food labels and reviewing importation documents. Due to the cost of widespread product testing, the FDA focused on testing products that posed a high health risk, identified through baseline assessments. Violators faced penalties, including potential fines and imprisonment. Importantly, products violating the PHO ban can be blacklisted and prevented from entering Thailand. 

Thai FDA with support of the Nutrition Institute at Mahidol University conducted PHO content testing on products available in the market. The test result showed that all tested products were complied with new regulations. The Thai FDA continues to monitor TFA content in both packaged and non-packaged food items to ensure sustained compliance. 

Regional Impact and Global Context 

Thailand’s efforts in eliminating iTFA have had a profound impact not just within the country but also regionally and globally. Thailand is one of five countries in its region with best-practice policies in effect, contributing to a safer food environment for 1.6 billion people, or 75% of the regional population. These efforts are expected to save approximately thousands of lives between 2023- 2030 

Eliminating iTFA has proven to be economically and politically feasible, as well as technically achievable. By advancing efforts to establish best-practice policies in just two more countries with highest needs within the region, it’s possible to eliminate 90% of the regional iTFA burden. 

Thailand's Role in the Global Fight Against iTFA 

The WHO launched the REPLACE initiative in 2018 to eliminate industrially produced trans-fat from the global food supply. Over the first five years of this initiative, Thailand emerged as a leader in the fight against iTFA, with its rigorous policies and successful enforcement. WHO’s validation program recognizes countries that go beyond simply introducing best-practice policies to ensure rigorous enforcement and monitoring systems are in place. 

Despite global successes, more than half the world’s population remains unprotected from the harmful effects of iTFA. Countries must continue their efforts to eliminate this dangerous substance, as preventing iTFA consumption is a powerful and cost-effective method of reducing heart disease and its associated healthcare costs. 

Thailand’s successful policy and enforcement serve as a model for other countries, showcasing the leadership of government intervention in safeguarding public health. The SEAHEARTS milestone for 2025, is to protect two billion people from the harmful effects of trans-fatty acids through best practices or complementary policy measures of WHO REPLACE—a goal that Thailand is helping to make a reality.