Highlighted in bright orange are countries that have implemented a legal limit on industrially produced trans fats in food. Countries that will be implementing a legal limit on trans-fats in foods within the next 1-2 years are highlighted in light orange. Since April 2021, all Member States have implemented a legal limit on industrially produced trans fats in food due to EU Regulation adopted by the Commission in April 2019.

Trans fats consumption significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Europe. Trans fat intake has also been associated with the development of other health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer and impaired fertility. Trans fats provide no nutritional benefits to humans apart from being a source of energy.

While industrially produced trans fats, and trans fats naturally present in animal products appear to be equally harmful, the proportions of industrially produced trans fats in food are generally much higher than those naturally occurring. This, and the fact that industrially produced trans fats can be easily reformulated, has led policy attention to focus on the latter. Evidence shows that setting a legal limit on trans fats in food is the most effective, economical, and equitable policy approach to free consumers from this health risk.

Latest update: December 10, 2021