Saturated fat and energy
Currently people are eating more saturated fat, on average, than is recommended, and rising levels of obesity indicate that energy intakes currently exceed energy requirements. Both these issues raise serious health concerns, particularly in relation to coronary heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.
The Agency has a saturated fat and energy intake programme, which aims to reduce saturated fat intakes and contribute to helping consumers achieve and maintain energy balance. It has run two phases of its saturated fat consumer awareness campaign in 2009 and 2010.
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Saturated fat and energy intake programme
In February 2008, the Agency published its saturated fat and energy intake programme, which outlines the actions needed to help consumers reduce saturated fat intakes and balance the amount of calories they consume with their needs.
Recommendations to industry on saturated fat and added sugar reductions, and portion size availability for biscuits, cakes, buns, chocolate confectionery and soft drinks
In March 2010, following a public consultation, the Agency published its final recommendations to industry on saturated fat and added sugar reductions, and portion-size availability for biscuits, cakes, buns, chocolate confectionery and soft drinks.
Industry action
The Agency is working with food businesses and their trade associations to support and encourage reductions in the levels of saturated fat and added sugar in the foods they produce.
Saturated fat consumer awareness campaign
The second phase of the Agency's saturated fat consumer awareness campaign is running in January and February 2010, with radio, press and poster advertising. The campaign was launched initially in February 2009, focusing on the health implications of a diet high in saturated fat and the simple, positive steps people can take to reduce their saturated fat intake.
Trans fats
Trans fats (or trans fatty acids) have a similar effect on blood cholesterol as saturated fats – they raise the type of cholesterol in the blood that increases the risk of heart disease. Average intakes of trans fats in the UK are however just half the two percent maximum recommended intake of our total food energy and therefore not a cause for concern.