The UK government has today (5 February) outlined its plans to cut the amount of saturated fat in people’s diets.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Consumption of saturated fat is around 20% higher than recommended guidelines, according to data from the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Under its plans, the FSA has called for the food industry to publish commitments to reformulate and reduce the amount of saturated fat in products.
The agency said the industry should make smaller portion sizes more readily available and increase the range of “healthier products” on sale.
Rosemary Hignett, head of nutrition at the FSA, said: “Reducing our intakes of saturated fat is a major challenge but would have clear important health benefits.”
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“We aim to work with industry on reducing saturated fat and added sugar levels in foods, reducing portion sizes and providing clear information to consumers, including honest nutrition information on labels.”
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation said food manufacturers had cut almost 30,000 tonnes of saturated fat from products.
“Our experiences of working with the FSA on salt show what can be achieved through genuine partnership between industry and its regulator,” said FDF director of communications Julian Hunt. “As the FSA recognises, the issues around reducing saturated fat in mainstream food products are much more complex than salt. However, we look forward to working with them on saturated fat and energy in the same spirit of co-operation.”
