The group, which has 7-Eleven convenience stores, Ito-Yokado supermarkets, Sogo and Seibu department stores under its wings, is joining other major companies such as McDonald's Holdings Co. (Japan) Ltd. in their attempts to reduce food items with trans [image-nocss] fatty acids.
Seven & I will accelerate its efforts at removing trans fats from house brand products as much as possible and will also call on food suppliers to do the same, the sources said, according to Kyodo.
Inquiries to 7-Eleven Inc. by CSP Daily News as to if or when the reformulations might come to convenience stores in the United States were not answered by press time.
The Japan retailer group has been promoting food products with reduced trans-fat contents. Trans fats, an oil contained in food items, are cited as a factor for increasing risks for heart diseases and hardening of the arteries by increasing so-called bad cholesterol.
Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency is considering requiring that food items carry labels showing trans-fat contents. In a guideline on food labeling published in October, manufacturers of margarine and other products are required to voluntarily indicate trans-fat contents.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.