Accuracy of the amount of trans-fatty acids in traffic light labelling of traditional sweets distributed in Isfahan, Iran

BACKGROUND: High consumption of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) is introduced as dietary risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The accuracy of the information shown on the traffic light (TL) labelling has a significant influence on consumers to reduce TFA content in foods. This study is conducted aiming to determine the TFA content in traditional sweets distributed in Isfahan, Iran. Furthermore, the accuracy of the amount of TFAs on TL was considered by comparing it with the experimentally analyzed values. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 99 Iranian traditional sweets with a TL label were randomly collected from confectionary shops located in Isfahan. TFAs were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). RESULTS: TFAs were detected in all samples with the total average of 1.6 ± 0.3% in total fat (range of 0.040 ± 0.001 to 7.900 ± 1.100%). More than half of the samples had less than 2% of TFAs in the total fat. Overall, 81.8% of the studied products with TL labelling showed a discrepancy in the TFAs in the values analyzed in laboratory. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the discrepancy of TFAs in the experimentally measured values with TL food labelling was observed in more than 80% of Iranian traditional sweets. Most of the samples contained less than 2% of TFAs that is defined as a limit in Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA). These findings could be alarming for the consumers of this kind of products.