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Food Standards Agency

Thursday 28 August 2008

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Saturated fat and energy

Current population average intakes of saturated fat exceed public health recommendations and the rising levels of obesity indicate that energy (calorie) intakes currently exceed energy requirements. Both these conditions raise serious health concerns, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

The Agency has 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.

Related links

Saturated fat and energy intake programme

Download pdf  (pdf 69KB)

More advice from our eatwell website

(External) Fats

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Consumer research on fats

To support its Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme, the Agency has carried out research to explore people’s views of saturated fat and energy in their food.

Status and labelling of 1% fat milk as a food ingredient

This advice has been issued in consultation with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and, in Wales, the Welsh Assembly Govenment.

Support for Agency's Saturated Fat and Energy consultation

Support received from companies and organisations in advance of the launch of the Agency's consultation on the draft Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme.

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.

See also

ACM/821a: Scientific review of the microbiological risks associated with reductions in fat and added sugar in foods

Download pdf  (pdf 334KB) Draft saturated fat and energy intake programme Read the consultation documents and summary of responses Independent advice on possible reductions for saturated fat in products that contribute to consumer intakes

Download pdf  (pdf 581KB) (External) Get Adobe Acrobat reader You may need the free Acrobat Reader to view a pdf

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