14 December 2007, 17:46 PM
  • The results of a review by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have shown there is no need for mandatory restrictions on the use of trans fats.

The FSA, which was asked by the health secretary to undertake the review last October, found that voluntary measures to reduce the use of such products have resulted in such low consumer intakes that no further action is required. It was discovered the UK’s average dietary intake of trans fats has come down to one percent of food energy, which is half the maximum recommended amount set by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. The FSA believes saturated fats are a far greater risk as the amount consumed is well above healthy levels.

FSA chair, Dame Deirdre Hutton, says, “The voluntary reduction of trans fats is a great illustration of a regulator and industry working together for the benefit of public health. I’m delighted that the industry has responded so positively to this issue and I think this decision provides a springboard for our future work on salt and saturated fat.”

The Agency will make its recommendation to the secretary of state by 19th December and the Department of Health will make the final decision as to whether further legislation is required.