Ecuador is engaged in a struggle to eliminate industrial trans fats from food products sold on store shelves. Public health advocates are calling for stricter regulatory measures, pointing to the proven link between trans fat consumption and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite the existence of formal standards aimed at limiting the use of these substances in the food industry, the country faces a serious problem—a gap between the adoption of laws and their practical implementation. Food manufacturers often continue to use cheap industrial trans fats, which allow them to extend product shelf life and reduce production costs. Experts note that without effective control mechanisms and penalties for violations, any regulatory initiatives risk remaining merely declarations on paper. This situation reflects a broader problem common to many developing countries, where the creation of a regulatory framework in public health outpaces the state's ability to implement and monitor it. Activists are calling on Ecuador's authorities to strengthen inspection mechanisms, introduce stricter product labeling, and ensure real accountability for violations of established standards. International experience shows that successfully phasing out industrial trans fats requires not only the adoption of laws but also systematic work to ensure compliance at all stages—from production to retail sales.