FSA in Scotland
Saturated fat and energy
Currently people are eating 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 coronary heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.
The Agency has a saturated fat and energy intake programme, which aims to reduce saturated fat intakes and contribute to helping consumers achieve and maintain energy balance. It has run two phases of its saturated fat consumer awareness campaign in 2009 and 2010.
More in this section
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Saturated fat and energy intake programme
Friday 26 March 2010
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.
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Recommendations to industry on saturated fat and added sugar reductions, and portion size availability for biscuits, cakes, buns, chocolate confectionery and soft drinks
Tuesday 23 March 2010
In March 2010, following a public consultation, the Agency published its final recommendations to industry on saturated fat and added sugar reductions, and portion-size availability for biscuits, cakes, buns, chocolate confectionery and soft drinks.
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Industry action
Tuesday 10 February 2009
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.
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Trans fats
Monday 4 February 2008
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.