Islamabad, March 2025: Pakistan’s government approved a WHO-aligned standard effectively banning Industrially Produced Trans-fatty Acids (iTFAs) in all foods and fats. The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) limit of less than 2% iTFAs in ALL foods now applies nationwide. This milestone builds on incremental reforms that begun in 2023. Initial PSQCA’s standards in June 2023 limited iTFAs in six categories of food, and in September 2024, the scope was expanded to cover 58 food categories, bringing the policy closer to, but still short of the global practice of a single standard covering all foods. The new unified standard now covers all foods, closing previous loopholes—especially in the informal food sector—and aligning Pakistan with global best practices. Public health advocates have welcomed this step as a major move toward preventing diet-related NCDs nationwide.
The policy change was anchored in years of rigorous research and coordinated advocacy, with Heartfile playing a pivotal role in laying the technical foundation for reform. Heartfile initiated the process by conducting a comprehensive situational analysis of iTFAs in Pakistan and identifying global best practices. Building on this groundwork, Heartfile developed the National Action Plan on iTFAs to guide policy reform and conducted a scientifically grounded cost-benefit analysis of iTFA replacement. To facilitate practical policy implementation, Heartfile also researched viable replacement options for manufacturers.
In parallel, Heartfile supported the generation of fresh national-level evidence by conducting laboratory testing to assess iTFA levels in a wide range of Pakistani food products. Heartfile also served both as a member and a convener of the high-level TFA Advisory and Advocacy Group (TAAG), a federally notified expert working group constituted specifically to guide national policy action for TFA elimination.
Alongside Heartfile’s technical leadership, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations played a key role in advancing regulatory progress by engaging with policymakers, PSQCA, and relevant ministries through workshops and high-level outreach, including engagement with the Prime Minister’s and President’s offices. Coalition partners mobilized public and political support by centering youth voices through campaigns like “Transform Pakistan” —leveraging media outreach, celebrity endorsements, and coalition-building to build broad momentum for policy change.
By combining policy advocacy with strategic public engagement, this coalition-driven effort has delivered a powerful win for public health in Pakistan—advancing the goal of a safer, healthier food environment for all.