Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
Nutrients. 2022 Jul 1;14(13):2748. doi: 10.3390/nu14132748.
Trans fatty acids (TFAs) have no known health benefits and are linked to an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). To eliminate TFAs from the food supply, the government of Thailand imposed a ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in 2018. This study was aimed at analyzing the government policies and actions to eliminate TFAs in Thailand, focusing on policy content, context, process, and actors. This single-case qualitative study used a documentary review and interviews with 20 key policy actors. The data analysis was guided by thematic analysis based on the policy triangle framework. The results reveal that policy actors-government organizations, academics, civil society organizations, and the food industry-have different roles, interests, and influences with regard to eliminating TFAs in Thailand. Both formal and informal communication among policy actors aided in the policymaking process and the actions that followed. Changing perceptions of TFAs, the low intake of PHOs in Thailand, hype around trans fats, and trade dynamics shaped the government's decision to impose the ban. As a result, the ban was selected to avoid the technical components of TFA elimination. This study suggests that eliminating TFAs in Thailand could be further enhanced by strengthening government actions in terms of enforcement and creating consumer awareness.
反式脂肪酸（TFAs）对健康没有益处，反而会增加非传染性疾病（NCDs）的风险。为了在食品供应中消除 TFAs，泰国政府于 2018 年颁布了部分氢化油（PHOs）禁令。本研究旨在分析泰国消除 TFAs 的政府政策和行动，重点关注政策内容、背景、过程和参与者。本单案例定性研究使用了文件审查和对 20 名关键政策参与者的访谈。数据分析以政策三角框架为指导，采用主题分析。结果表明，政策参与者——政府组织、学术界、民间社会组织和食品行业——在泰国消除 TFAs 方面具有不同的角色、利益和影响。政策参与者之间的正式和非正式沟通有助于决策过程和随后的行动。对 TFAs 的看法、泰国 PHOs 的低摄入量、反式脂肪的炒作以及贸易动态塑造了政府实施禁令的决定。因此，选择禁令是为了避免 TFA 消除的技术成分。本研究表明，通过加强政府在执法方面的行动和提高消费者意识，可以进一步加强泰国消除 TFAs 的工作。
