Trans fatty acids : the hidden risk | France 2 | Envoyé Spécial

Every day our children eat trans fatty acids. But they’ve never heard of them. Nor have most adults. In their natural state, they are found, in small quantities, in meat and dairy products. But we were interested in artificial trans fatty acids, created in laboratories by the food industry. They are to be found everywhere: thanks to them, fries are crunchier, cakes more melt-in-the-mouth, pasta more tender. These fats don’t turn rancid and they have a longer shelf life in the supermarket. They are easy to produce and they are cheap. A commercial dream. But these trans fatty acids are harmful to our arteries. All over the world, scientists are ringing alarm bells. If we consume too much of them, we run an increased risk of heart disease. In the United States some major cities have banned trans fatty acids. It’s a public health concern. In France, nothing¾or nearly nothing¾has been done. In 2005 the AFSSA (French Food Standards Agency) made two recommendations: first, producers should reduce the presence of trans fatty acids within two years; second, the percentage of trans fatty acids should be indicated on the packaging, as in the United States, to inform consumers. We tested many products in an independent laboratory and we discovered that some popular products did not respect these recommendations. An investigation into a hidden risk.