Low Levels of Trans Fats in Pre-packed Foods

Many popular pre-packaged foods have surprisingly low levels of unhealthy trans-fatty acids, according to a study by the Food Safety Authority (FSAI). However, levels of saturated fats in many products are high and this is a matter for concern.

The study looked at the fat content of 100 pre-packaged food products including spreads, frozen pizzas, cakes and biscuits. These types of foods have been shown to contain trans-fats in past studies.

Results indicated that generally, levels of trans-fatty acids in the surveyed products are low. Overall, 57% of products surveyed contained no detectable trans-fats and 23% contained low levels of trans-fats (no more than 2% of total fat being trans-fats). Dried gravy and dried soup had the highest levels of trans-fats.

However, levels of saturated fats in many products were alarmingly high. The study found that over one-third of products surveyed contained more than half of their fat in the form of saturated fats. These levels “present a risk to heart health and are a public health concern”, said Dr Wayne Anderson of the FSAI. Baked foods, frozen pizzas and cheese and butter had the highest levels of saturated fats.

Saturated fat is mainly found in foods of animal origin such as meat, butter, whole milk and cheese. A diet high in saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol and increase your risk of coronary heart disease. Trans fats are produced when a liquid oil is turned into a solid (e.g. margarine). Trans fats have a double negative effect on cholesterol because they raise LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).

The FSAI says that the survey results show that the food industry is responding to consumer concerns about the negative health effects of trans-fats. However, it warned food manufacturers against simply replacing trans-fats with saturated fat and called for more creativity in coming up with healthier alternatives.

Posted Thursday 15th May 2008