Understanding the Complexities of Eliminating Trans Fatty Acids: The Case of the Trans Fatty Acid Ban in Thailand
Issued Date
2022-07-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20726643
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85133138027
Pubmed ID
35807928
Journal Title
Nutrients
Volume
14
Issue
13
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Nutrients Vol.14 No.13 (2022)
Suggested Citation
Samsiripong W., Phulkerd S., Pattaravanich U., Kanchanachitra M. Understanding the Complexities of Eliminating Trans Fatty Acids: The Case of the Trans Fatty Acid Ban in Thailand. Nutrients Vol.14 No.13 (2022). doi:10.3390/nu14132748 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/83200
Title
Understanding the Complexities of Eliminating Trans Fatty Acids: The Case of the Trans Fatty Acid Ban in Thailand
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Trans fatty acids (TFAs) have no known health benefits and are linked to an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). To eliminate TFAs from the food supply, the government of Thailand imposed a ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in 2018. This study was aimed at analyzing the government policies and actions to eliminate TFAs in Thailand, focusing on policy content, context, process, and actors. This single-case qualitative study used a documentary review and interviews with 20 key policy actors. The data analysis was guided by thematic analysis based on the policy triangle framework. The results reveal that policy actors—government organizations, academics, civil society organizations, and the food industry—have different roles, interests, and influences with regard to eliminating TFAs in Thailand. Both formal and informal communication among policy actors aided in the policymaking process and the actions that followed. Changing perceptions of TFAs, the low intake of PHOs in Thailand, hype around trans fats, and trade dynamics shaped the government’s decision to impose the ban. As a result, the ban was selected to avoid the technical components of TFA elimination. This study suggests that eliminating TFAs in Thailand could be further enhanced by strengthening government actions in terms of enforcement and creating consumer awareness.