Table 1 Interview topics based on technical and economic feasibility of reformulating partially hydrogenated vegetable oils in India
Main topic | Interview questions |
|---|---|
Trans fat and health | What is your understanding of the health issues related to – vanaspati; - other cooking oils; - trans fat |
Company characteristics | What are the main products that your company produces? |
| Â | Which of the products that your company produces contain hydrogenated oils? |
| Â | Where do you obtain your raw materials? (which areas, types of producers)? |
Trans fat regulation | What do you know about the proposed trans fat regulation? |
| Â | How will the proposed trans fat regulation affect your company? Will it affect your profit margins? |
| Â | Could the government do anything to help (i.e., incentives, subsidies, etc.) make the transition to low trans/trans fat free products easier? |
Feasibility | How feasible is product reformulation of vanaspati (or shortening/spreads)? |
| Â | Can you comment on the: |
| Â | Technological feasibility |
| Â | Availability of replacement oils |
| Â | Economic feasibility |
| Â | What considerations will have to be made in terms of the cultural/social acceptability of alternative products? |
| Â | What will be the main barriers or challenges associated with product reformulation? |
Costs | What are the current costs associated with the production of vanaspati? |
| Â | Which additional costs will be involved in the reformulation of vanaspati (or shortenings)? |
| Â | How will these costs differ with a limit of 10% vs 5% trans fat in PHVOs? |