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Food Standards Agency

Sunday 5 July 2009

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Saturated fat and energy

Currently people are eating far 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 cardiovascular disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

In February 2008, the Agency published its saturated fat and energy intake programme, which aims to reduce saturated fat intakes and contribute to helping consumers achieve and maintain energy balance.

More advice from our eatwell website

(External) Saturated fat

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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 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.

Saturated fat consumer awareness campaign

The Agency launched a consumer campaign, 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 the amount we eat.

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.

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