The Ljubljana-based Nutrition Institute (NUTRIS) stressed that trans fats are harmful to health, so the intake of large amounts of foods containing these fats should be avoided. Earlier this year, the institute launched a project aimed at studying the exposure of the Slovenian population to trans fats. The three-year project is being carried out in collaboration with the Health Ministry. The first stage of the project focuses on the presence of partly hydrogenated fats in processed foods, since these fats tend to contain the highest levels of trans fats. The report also examined the presence of trans fats in solid vegetable fats. According to a press release issued on Friday, the researchers focused on margarine sold at supermarkets as well as on solid vegetable fats used in wholesale products.

Retail margarine contains almost no trans fats
The results showed that fats are not likely to be found in margarine sold at supermarkets in Slovenia. On the other hand, appreciable amounts of trans fats were found in vegetable fats used by bakeries and pastry shops.

These fats are sold wholesale, meaning that consumers cannot buy them in shops. However, they are still a threat to public health because they are used as an ingredient in various foods.

The report concludes that the government should adopt regulations limiting the use of trans fats in foodstuffs sold in Slovenia.

Al. Ma.; translated by D.V.