Europe: Denmark
Commission retreats over trans fat acid standards
Denmark will continue to lead–the–way in efforts to reduce the amount of harmful trans fat acids in food, now that the European Commission has given up its case against the country over Danish laws to limit the content of these substances in its food products. In 2004 Denmark implemented a maximum two per cent trans fat acid limit for the total fat content in foods, far under the EU allowable 32 gram percentage.
The Commission had originally considered Denmark’s tough requirement as a breach of less stringent EU standards, and considered that it would act as an impediment for EU countries to export to Denmark. But the Commission now believes that Denmark’s claim that trans fat acids are seriously damaging to one’s health poses a valid legal argument against any increase in their use.
The Danish Consumer Council said it was pleased with the EU’s decision and hopes that the fight against trans fat acids will continue across borders. The Council’s senior food advisor, Camilla Udsen said, “The obvious next step would be to work for a ban on trans fat acids for the entire EU.”
For further information visit the Government of Denmark website at: http://denmark.dk
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