On September 23, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the bill "On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Concerning Improving the Quality of Food Products Consumed by Children" as a basis. The document was supported by 304 MPs. The meeting was broadcast by the TV channel Rada.
The bill proposes to ban palm oil content in:
- traditional dairy products (yogurt is not included in the list);
- baby food, infant formula (it is also proposed to ban other hydrogenated vegetable fats, palm stearin, margarines, and spreads);
- confectionery (including chocolate and ice cream).
In addition, the bill provides for imposing fines for violation of its provisions (for legal entities—40, individuals—25 minimum wages). Also, when labeling, manufacturers will be required to make the inscription that the product "contains palm oil" visible and clear.
Additionally. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO), based on 48 studies, refutes the fact being actively lobbied by the manufacturers that palm oil is harmless. Experts have come to the conclusion that the use of this product increases the mortality rate from coronary heart disease. According to their estimates, in the world, 500,000 people die every year due to cardiovascular diseases that have developed due to excessive consumption of trans fats. Most of these products are consumed by poor people.
A number of countries around the world have already imposed a nationwide ban on the use of palm oil in food. Denmark was the first to do this. As a result, the number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases has decreased in the country. Another decade earlier, the city of New York followed Denmark's example. Since the beginning of 2017, Jordan has refused to import products with hydrogenated fats.
Context. According to estimates, in 2019 Ukraine imported 214,400 tons of palm oil, in 2018—220,000 tons, in 2017—212,000 tons, in 2016—194,000 tons, in 2015—136,000 tons.
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