Cargill commits to remove industrially produced trans-fatty acids from edible oils

Wayzata, Ill. – Cargill has committed to remove industrially produced trans-fatty acids, or iTFAs, from its edible oils to help comply with the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of a maximum two grams of industrially produced trans-fatty acids per 100 grams fats/oils by the end of 2023.

The WHO’s “REPLACE” initiative provides a guide for governments and industry to implement a best practice on iTFA in the global food supply chain to address related health concerns. Cargill is the first edible oils supplier to make this commitment, joining many of the world’s largest food companies and members of the International Food and Beverage Alliance who have committed to the WHO goal, the company said in a news release.

Over the last 25 years, Cargill has removed an estimated one billion pounds (nearly 500,000 metric tons) of iTFAs from the global food supply, resulting in approximately 89 per cent of its global edible oils portfolio already meeting the WHO’s iTFA best practice. With its latest commitment, the company will now achieve 100 per cent compliance, including in countries where there currently is no legislative mandate, the release said.

To achieve this final 11 per cent, the company is significantly investing in upgrades at several facilities to reduce the amount of iTFAs produced during the oil manufacturing process and providing food customers alternative formulations.

“Even as the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that worldwide, improving nutrition remains a top concern,” said David Webster, leader of Cargill’s food ingredients and bioindustrial enterprise and chief risk officer. “This commitment aligns with our purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way and gives us the opportunity as a collective industry to remove iTFAs from the global food supply no matter where food is manufactured or consumed. We know this effort will take time, and we are eager to work with customers as they take this important step.”
Innovation makes the reduction of iTFAs possible

Cargill will also support the industry through engagement with targeted regional and national stakeholders, such as governments and oil industry federations, to support industry-wide reformulations particularly in countries where legislation is not yet in place.

Cargill’s Global Edible Oil Solutions has more than 8,000 employees at more than 50 facilities in 20 countries.