Abu Dhabi: Trans fats, the food enemy No 1 in recent years, will be eliminated from all food served at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City's campus and facilities.
Trans fat - or partially hydrogenated oil - is known to contribute to cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death in the UAE. Trans fats are found in shortening, processed food and deep-fried fast food.
The policy creates a Trans Fat Free Zone (TFFZ), an area where food items containing trans fats are not prepared or distributed.
The policy will identify food containing trans fats and ban the use of food items containing more than 0.5 grams of trans fats per serving at SKMC.
The policy was signed by Dr Kenneth Ouriel, CEO, SKMC.
"As a healthcare leader in the community, SKMC is committed to creating a healthy environment for the entire population. Eliminating trans fat food items on our campuses is a key step in this process," said Ouriel.
The next phase in the TFFZ bans the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortenings or margarine for frying, grilling or as a spread, unless labels show that the ingredients contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.
