The oil brand ambassadors CSE

By not setting standards It is not that the country

Commercial interests determine content The oil we eat is essential for our body to function. We cannot do without it. Thus it is important to understand its chemistry. It is agreed that healthy oil is one which has less saturated fat, more monounsaturated fat (mufa) and polyunsaturated fats (pufa) is balanced between the two. It should also be rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids (see box

Rath: Agro Tech Foods Ltd, Secunderabad, affiliated to ConAgra Foods Inc of USA, one of the world

Heart diseases Trans fats in the hydrogenated oils are worse than saturated fats. They decrease the amount of good cholesterol (hdl). This makes consumption of hydrogenated fats especially bad for the heart. For example, increase of five grammes of trans fats per day could lead to a 25 per cent increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease Diabetes Trans fats interfere with

Partially hydrogenated oils have an assured market in India. They are cheaper and easier to use in processed food industry and commercial eateries. The other reason for its popularity is Indian regulations do not spell the need to specify the oil used to make vanaspati. This, when the business of oils is dependent on imports

Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 includes specific standards on edible oils giving broad specification for different oils. The act allows two different oils to be blended and sold. The specifications do not lay down guidelines on fatty acid composition of different oils. There are specifications for vanaspati. Companies can mix any quantity of any