Saturated fat and energy
Current population average intakes of saturated fat exceed public health recommendations and the rising levels of obesity indicate that energy (calorie) intakes currently exceed energy requirements. Both these conditions raise serious health concerns, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.
The Agency has published its saturated fat and energy intake programme, which aims to reduce saturated fat intakes and contribute to helping consumers achieve and maintain energy balance.
Related links
(pdf 69KB)More advice from our eatwell website
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Consumer research on fats
To support its Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme, the Agency has carried out research to explore people’s views of saturated fat and energy in their food.
Status and labelling of 1% fat milk as a food ingredient
This advice has been issued in consultation with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and, in Wales, the Welsh Assembly Govenment.
Support for Agency's Saturated Fat and Energy consultation
Support received from companies and organisations in advance of the launch of the Agency's consultation on the draft Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme.
Trans fats
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.