Experts urge UN to push for policies for improved nutrition

________________

Over 115 global food and health experts, including representatives from Africa, are urging the United Nations to avoid policies that could limit access to vital nutrition for the world’s poorest populations, including millions across Uganda, in its upcoming declaration to eliminate trans-fatty acids.

The UN is in the process of drafting a resolution to eliminate all trans-fatty acids from diets worldwide as part of a broader strategy to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease and diabetes.

However, scientists and nutritionists warn that the move, if not carefully worded, could mistakenly discourage the consumption of naturally occurring trans fats found in milk, meat, and other animal-source food staples that are already under-consumed in low-income regions.

Coordinated by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, the open letter was endorsed by the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and signed by experts affiliated with organizations like the UN Committee on World Food Security, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the World Alliance of Mobile Indigenous Peoples (WAMIP).

“The risk of a blanket ban is that it could undermine the role of animal-source foods in fighting malnutrition, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to quality nutrition is already limited,” the letter reads.

Uganda, like many African countries, continues to grapple with food insecurity and malnutrition.

According to 2023 statistics, at least one in five Africans faced hunger, and about one in three children under the age of five suffered from stunted growth.

Experts warn that eliminating even low levels of natural trans-fats, which occur in dairy and meat, could further compromise food security.

“Milk and meat offer vital micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc. For many children, even a single glass of milk can reduce stunting and support healthy growth,” said Dr. Namukolo Covic, the ILRI’s Director General’s Representative to Ethiopia.

“These foods are nutrient-dense and play a crucial role in early childhood development.”

Unlike the industrially produced trans fats found in processed foods, which are proven to increase the risk of NCDs, the naturally occurring versions in animal products are present in minimal amounts and may even have health benefits, such as lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, studies have shown.

Professor Ruth Oniang’o, a leading food and nutrition scientist and editor-in-chief of the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, emphasised the need for a balanced perspective.

“In industrialised countries, food processing contributes most to trans-fat intake. But in African contexts, food processing is still limited. We should be using this moment of food system transformation to eliminate industrial trans fats while preserving the vital role of animal-source foods in nutrition,” she said.

“For many low-income families, animal-source foods are the only dependable source of essential nutrients. UN negotiators must not ignore this reality.”

The draft UN declaration is currently being reviewed by member states and is expected to be finalised by September during the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, discussions around the resolution will feature during the UN High-Level Political Forum taking place in New York from July 14–23.

The forum will review global progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing.