Reformulation
Policy Position
FDF members are committed to continuing to reduce levels of fat, salt and sugar
in products, as well as providing lower fat, lower salt and lower sugar options
where technologically possible, safe and acceptable to consumers.
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Background
The food and drink manufacturing industry is now widely recognised as leading
the world when it comes to reformulating products; extending consumer choice;
and
introducing improved nutrition labelling[1].
A survey of FDF members[2]. confirms that the recipes used for at least £15bn worth of foods have less
fat, sugar and salt, compared with 2004. In addition, a further £11.5bn worth
of
products have been launched as 'lower in' versions[3]. Furthermore, our members’ progress has recently been confirmed by independent
research showing that British shoppers saved the equivalent of almost 3,800
tonnes of salt in their total purchases in five important food categories over
a
24-month period[4].
In November 2007, as part of FSA’s review of trans fats, a new estimate of trans
fat intakes in the UK was made. This estimated that trans fats levels had been
reduced to just 1% of total energy intake, which is well below the COMA
recommended maximum intake level of 2%.
FDF has pledged to continue to reduce
TFA levels
where possible, provided this does not lead to a rise in saturated fat levels.
See FDF's policy briefing on trans fatty acids for more information.
The industry has been successfully working with the Food Standards Agency
towards its salt reduction targets and FDF supports the aim of the FSA’s
campaign to
raise
consumer awareness of this issue. See FDF's policy briefing on salt for more information.
Industry looks forward to working with the FSA to explore new ways of reducing
the nation's saturated fat and energy intake, as part of the FSA's Saturated
Fat
and Energy Intake Programme. See FDF's policy briefing on saturated fat and
energy.
To highlight industry’s achievements in terms of reformulation, FDF has prepared
a new report to showcase the work of members. The report, entitled “Recipe for change” (pdf, 994kb), was launched at FDF’s annual Parliamentary Reception on 8 July and will be
used as a tool for building greater awareness and understanding among the
media,
parliamentarians and other key stakeholders of what has been achieved by
manufacturers.
More information
1. FDF's easily recognisable GDA labels are now used by 84 companies and feature
on
the front of approximately 20,000 product lines, making it the most consistent,
well known and widely available front-of-pack labelling scheme in the UK.
2. FDF's reformulation survey results were obtained from a snapshot survey of FDF
members, carried out in summer 2007.
3. FDF's survey findings are supported by Mintel, an independent research
consultancy, which shows that of the 5,000 new products launched in 2007, 24%
were marketed on a health proposition, such as 'low in fat'.
4. The findings are based on TNS Worldpanel data for the 24 months from September
2006 to September 2008. TNS Worldpanel monitors the household grocery
purchasing
habits of 25,000 demographically representative households in Great Britain.
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Last reviewed: 07 Jun 2010