Cargill Becomes First Global Edible Oil Supplier to Commit to WHO Trans-Fat Recommendation

Cargill claims to be the ‘first’ global edible oil supplier to commit to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on trans-fatty acids across its entire fats and oils portfolio, including in countries where there is no legislative requirement to do so.  The company has said that the edible oils it supplies will be in line with the WHO recommend standard of a maximum two grams of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (iTFA) per 100 grams by the end of 2023. This in effect may also help Cargill’s customers comply with WHO recommendation.  
  
Announcing the move, Cargill noted that over the last 25 years it has removed an estimated one billion pounds (nearly 500,000 MT) of iTFAs from the global food supply, resulting in approximately 89% of its global edible oils portfolio already meeting the WHO’s iTFA best practice.  With this commitment, the company will now achieve 100% compliance, including in countries where there is currently no legislative mandate.  To achieve the remaining 11%, the company is significantly investing in upgrades of several facilities to reduce the amount of iTFAs produced during the oil manufacturing process and leveraging decades of innovation expertise to provide food customers alternative formulations that will help them meet WHO recommendation. 

To support the WHO’s efforts, Cargill will also support the industry through engagement with targeted regional and national stakeholders, such as governments and oil industry federations, to support industry-wide reformulations particularly in countries where legislation is not yet in place.