UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 65 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Trans Fat Free Claims

A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers?

1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils.

2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils.

3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the consumers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Verdict

Correct Answer: 1 and 3 only

Analysis

This question is about trans-fats and their health impact. Trans-fats are mainly produced through partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils.

Statement by statement

1. Not made out of hydrogenated oils — Correct

Industrial trans-fats are mainly formed when liquid vegetable oils are partially hydrogenated to make them semi-solid.

So, if a food product is claimed to be trans-fat free, it generally means it is not made using hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

2. Not made out of animal fats/oils — Incorrect

Animal fats mainly contain saturated fats, not industrial trans-fats.

Small amounts of natural trans-fats may occur in meat and dairy, but a trans-fat-free claim does not mean the product is free from animal fats.

3. Not likely to damage cardiovascular health — Correct

Trans-fats are harmful because they raise LDL or bad cholesterol and lower HDL or good cholesterol.

Reducing or removing trans-fats lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Extra UPSC info

* Trans-fats are considered among the most harmful dietary fats.

* They are commonly found in vanaspati, margarine, bakery products and deep-fried processed foods.

* FSSAI has limited trans-fatty acids in edible oils and fats to not more than 2% by weight.

* A product can use the “trans fat free” claim only if it contains less than 0.2 g trans-fat per 100 g or 100 ml of food.

* WHO launched the REPLACE action package to eliminate industrially produced trans-fats.

* Do not confuse saturated fats with trans-fats.

How to crack it

A trans-fat-free product is not made from hydrogenated oils and is less harmful to cardiovascular health, but it does not necessarily mean it is free from animal fats.

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