BC successfully restricts use of trans fat in food service establishments

Eisenberg and colleagues’ analysis article in CMAJ describes a number of government-level interventions in public health, including imposing regulatory limits on trans fat.¹ Although the authors mention some national efforts to regulate trans fat, the British Columbia Ministry of Health wishes to draw attention to one initiative not menioned in their article — the BC Trans Fat Initiative, which was successfully implemented in our province.

Launched in 2009, this legislative intervention has successfully restricted industrially produced trans fat in all British Columbia food service establishments. The initiative includes the first health impediments regulation under the new Public Health Act to recognize the harmful effects of trans fat on the health of British Columbians. In partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon and in collaboration with the food industry, a number of resources and supports were developed to assist industry in making the required changes. These include a website (www.restricttransfat.ca), 8-1-1 HealthLink BC phone line and translated informational materials. Environmental health officers have been enforcing the regulation and have completed over 30 000 inspections. Food service establishments have achieved close to 90% compliance.

The Ministry of Health is committed to helping British Columbians live healthy and active lifestyles and is pleased to take this opportunity to share our success in restricting trans fat in British Columbia.