The
World Health Organization wants to wipe trans fats from the face of the
earth. This week the global health institution recommended all countries
ban trans fats within the next five years.
Some
countries, such as the United States, already issued a trans fat ban.
In 2015, the United States government warned the food industry to get
rid of them within three years. That ban takes effect next month.
Trans
fats, also called "hydrogenated" oils, are in processed foods,
especially baked goods. They are an inexpensive way to prolong a
product's shelf life.
However,
trans fats have been shown to cause a number of health issues,
including early death from heart disease. In fact, an estimated half a
million people reportedly died as a result of consuming trans fats.