CARICOM seeks to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids
If your products contain industrially produced trans fats, you may soon face increased regulatory pressure as countries within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) take decisive steps to eliminate these substances.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting trans fat intake to less than 1% of total energy intake, equivalent to 2.2 grams per day on a 2,000 calorie diet. In response, some markets have started to develop their own policies and discussions, with CARICOM being a notable example.
CARICOM’s legislative commitment by December 2025
Since 2022, CARICOM Ministers of Trade and Health have committed to enacting legislation by December 2025 to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) from the food supply. As the deadline approaches, there is a concerted effort to develop regulatory policies to eliminate partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) and limit industrially produced trans fatty acids to no more than 2% of total fat in all food products.
PAHO’s workshop and Codex standards revision
In March 2024, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) convened a four-day workshop to equip six countries within the region – Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Suriname – on this topic. In parallel, the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is working to revise Codex Standards on fats and oils to reduce trans fatty acid intake. As Codex Members, CARICOM countries apply these standards in the absence of national regulations, with some, like Jamaica, adopting them into national legislation.
Activities and campaigns leading up to the deadline
As the December 2025 deadline approaches, several activities are underway to prepare for the forthcoming regulations:
- CARICOM: NGOs like the Healthy Caribbean Coalition have launched campaigns such as “Let’s Talk About Trans Fats? And Why They Need to Go” to put pressure on both authorities and food business operators (FBOs). They are actively promoting the implementation of iTFA regulations
- Barbados: Authorities are diligently working to ensure policies are in place to remove industrially produced trans fatty acids from the nation’s food supply
- Jamaica: Authorities are engaging with members of the food industry, improving laboratory testing capacity, and holding several consultations with industry stakeholders
- Saint Lucia: At the start of 2025, the Ministry of Health began advocating for wellness through trans fat awareness, highlighting PAHO Key Facts
Draft standard on nutrition labelling
Additionally, the CARICOM Draft Standard on Nutrition Labelling is currently being developed. It mandates the declaration of trans-fat content, which will become mandatory once adopted into national legislation.
How Leatherhead can help
For comprehensive assistance in navigating CARICOM policies, food regulations, or addressing other regulatory requirements or worldwide, please get in touch at [email protected]. Leatherhead’s experienced team of scientists and regulatory experts can support you every step of the way.
Leatherhead Food Research members are kept up to date with changing regulations around the world through the weekly Global Legal Highlights newsletter. To learn more, get in touch with our membership team at [email protected].
