Saturated Fat and Energy
The Current Situation
The FSA has announced its saturated fat and energy intake programme to tackle
the population's intake of saturated fat and added sugar. As part
of the
programme
of activity outlined by the FSA, it highlights how
developing
and building
partnerships with industry, along with consumer activity
could
help reduce
population
intakes of saturated fat from 13.3% to below
11%
of
food
energy.
Industry Reductions
The food and drink manufacturing industry has for some time been looking at
reformulating its products to play its part in tackling the issue of obesity. As
part of this programme of work, many companies have already done much to reduce
saturated fat levels in their products; they have been looking at different
approaches to portion sizes; and through the industry's GDA labelling campaign
educating consumers about key nutrients such as saturated fat and energy.
For example, data from independent consultancy Mintel compiled for an FDF report
shows that more than 700 products have been launched with new recipes since
January 2008, many of which are products lower in saturated fat and calories.
Mintel's research also suggests that total sales of such products in key food and
drink categories are now worth £8bn - and in some areas are growing at twice the
rate of the market as a whole.
Industry Commitment
FDF members are committed to continuing to reduce levels of saturated fat and
sugar in products and providing lower fat and sugar options where
technologically
possible, safe and acceptable, to allow consumers to make their own choices.
More Information
Last reviewed: 04 Jan 2009