Saturated Fat
The Current Situation
The previous Government had initiated activity to tackle the population's intake
of saturated fat under the FSA's Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme,
however work in this area is now being taken forward in a different way as part
of
the new Government's Public Health Responsibility Deal.
In 2011, a focus of the Responsibility Deal Food Network has been to design a
comprehensive calorie reduction pledge. The scope of this work is broad and action
may include the reformulation of products to reduce saturated fat content (where
there is a concomitant reduction in calories). It is anticipated that saturated
fat reduction not linked to calorie reduction will be considered by the Network
in 2012.
Industry Reductions
The food and drink manufacturing industry has for some time been looking at
reformulating its products to play its part in tackling the issue of obesity.
As
part of this work, many companies have already done much to reduce
saturated fat levels in their products; they have been looking at different
approaches to portion sizes; and through the industry's GDA labelling campaign
educating consumers about key nutrients such as saturated fat.
For example, data from independent consultancy Mintel compiled for an FDF report
shows that more than 700 products have been launched with new recipes since
January 2008, many of which are products lower in saturated fat.
Mintel's research also suggests that total sales of such products in key food
and
drink categories are now worth £8bn - and in some areas are growing at twice
the
rate of the market as a whole.
Industry Commitment
FDF members are committed to continuing to reduce levels of saturated fat in
products and providing lower fat options where technologically possible, safe
and
acceptable, to allow consumers to make their own choices.
More Information
Last reviewed: 03 Jan 2012