The Government will take steps to ban all food items that contain industrially produced trans fats in an effort to reduce rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, gave details of the scheme at a press conference on Throne Speech initiatives today.

Ms Wilson said that heart disease and diabetes, along with other illnesses such as cancer, dementia, kidney disease and strokes, were leading killers in Bermuda — and that trans fats played a significant role in their cause.

Ms Wilson said: “New laws will be passed to remove foods with industrially produced trans fats from our food supply.

“These fats have been scientifically proven to cause these health problems.

“A high intake of trans fats poses serious health risks, increasing the likelihood of death from any cause by 34 per cent, coronary heart disease deaths by 28 per cent, and coronary heart disease overall by 21 per cent.”

Ms Wilson said that the fats — found in partially hydrogenated oils — had no known health benefits, but were added to products by food manufacturers for commercial reasons, such as extending shelf life.

She said: “The food industry values these fats for their ability to add firmness to margarines, provide plasticity and maintain emulsion stability in shortenings.

“Yet, these functional benefits come at a steep price to health, with significant risks that far outweigh any convenience they provide.”

Ms Wilson said that 58 countries had already initiated policies to ban the product, while Caricom members will enact laws to ban it by the end of next year.

Ms Wilson said: “The Department of Health has been clearing the path and building capacity to perform local testing and working with advisers at the Pan American Health Organisation and the UK Health Security Agency.

“Education and consultation will precede any legislative change and once the legal controls of trans fats are adopted as policy, various stakeholders, internal and external, will be convened to familiarise everyone with this issue and their role in reducing the risks of trans fats in the food chain in Bermuda.

“This is a moving target and other nations have already been implementing this, and we’re trying to be consistent with our Caricom neighbours and have it completely removed by 2025. We think we will be able to accomplish that.”

Asked if the ban would complement the sugar tax, Ms Wilson said that the tax — introduced in 2018 — was designed to reduce sugar consumption, rather than ban it.

She said the Government recognised that the sugar tax had caused “some disquiet”, but that surveys showed it was having a positive effect.

She said: “More Bermudians are reducing their sugar intake as well as accepting the fact that the sugar tax can be commended to ensure and enhance their health.

“There was a recent omnibus survey that indicated that approximately two in ten residents were no longer buying sweets, snacks or treats, and that 7 per cent had stopped buying junk food altogether.

“We recognise that it is a slow progress but when you implement these types of initiatives you don’t see a change overnight.”

Addressing other health proposals contained in last week’s Throne Speech, Ms Wilson said her ministry was committed to expanding and enhancing mental health initiatives.

She said: “Our goal is to create a Bermuda where mental health is understood and supported without stigma.”

Key initiatives include launching a mental health awareness campaign, implementing a suicide prevention strategy, and more funding for mental health organisations.

Ms Wilson added: “By building on existing programmes, supporting existing third-sector agencies, and focusing on youth mental health, a more inclusive and supportive environment will emerge for mental wellbeing in our community.”

The minister said that the Government was still committed to universal healthcare, but that the scheme was still being drafted and would not be ready in the coming parliamentary year.

In the interim, the Government will expand access and enhance the quality of HIP and FutureCare.

She said: “These changes, set to be introduced during this session, aim to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring that you can afford annual check-ups and the medications prescribed by your physician.

“This is all part of our commitment to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.

“You can expect the release of specific information on what the various benefit enhancements and extensions will look like for HIP and FutureCare participants in the short term, as we work towards increased access and affordability to healthcare and a better quality of life.”

Ms Wilson concluded by saying: “I want to emphasise the urgent need to strengthen Bermuda's healthcare system.

“We must improve health outcomes, increase efficiency, and ensure quality, affordable healthcare for all.

“The high costs of our current system are not reflected in our health outcomes, and this must change.”