In 2022, Oman took action in combatting trans-fatty acids, when it issued a ban on the production, import and/or marketing of partially hydrogenated oils and food products in which these oils are used. The ban was issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Water Resources, and it came into effect on 24 July 2022. The decision was expected, given that the problem of high trans-fatty acid intake among the Omani population was highlighted in the National Nutrition Strategy 2020–2030, where such a measure was also proposed.
Prior to the ban, several initiatives were proposed (but not yet adopted) and include approaches such as specified maximum levels of trans-fatty acids in fats and other foods, taxation on the use of hydrogenated oils, limiting the availability of high trans-fatty acid items in school settings, and requirements for food importers to have all imported foods certified as industrial trans-fatty acid free.
Adopted initiatives include two Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization led approaches.
A ministerial decision for a mandatory benchmark for the trans-fatty acid level of bread, adopted in 2019. The benchmark is set by Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization.
A mandatory nutritional labelling of trans-fatty acids, as grams per 100 g and % Daily Value (%DV), requiring the declaration of trans-fatty acids as part of nutrition labels for products containing 0.5 g per 100 g or more, and regulating “trans-fat free” claims, adopted in 2016. Labelling of prepackaged food stuffs and declaring of the percent daily intake is voluntary.
Moreover, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with nongovernmental organizations launched a Healthy Nutrition Campaign in December 2021, which aims to raise awareness of nutrition topics, including trans-fatty acids, among other targets.
Related links:
A systematic review of trans fat feduction initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Health launches national nutrition campaign
Oman bans partially hydrogenated oils from July
Oman national nutrition strategy 2020–2030
Partially hydrogenated oils banned in Sultanate of Oman
The global database on the implementation of nutrition
