CUT FAT TO SAVE HEARTS, SAY HEALTH BODIES

Thursday 1 March 2007

CUT FAT TO SAVE HEARTS, SAY HEALTH BODIES

 

Two leading health organisations, the Faculty of Public Health and Heart of Mersey (HoM), have joined forces to put pressure on the food industry to radically reduce the amount of saturated fat used in its products and eliminate trans fats altogether, in a bid to cut coronary heart disease – the UK's leading cause of premature death.

The Faculty, which represents public health specialists, and HoM, a heart disease prevention charity, are so concerned by the levels of saturated and trans fats in food that they have issued a joint statement aimed at supermarkets and food manufacturers, calling for them to reformulate their products in favour of heart-friendly unsaturated fats – with the threat of legislation if necessary.

Faculty of Public Health President, Professor Rod Griffiths says “It's good that the food industry is starting to remove trans fats from their products, but the main priority for heart health is to reduce the saturated fat content of foods. Supermarkets and the food industry have been dragging their feet in this respect, and we want to see a real step-change in product reformulation.”

Dr Chris Birt , HoM's Chair said that s aturated fats, through their powerful effect on blood cholesterol, comprise the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. “ Foods high in saturated fat are relatively cheap. The food industry uses large amounts of these inexpensive fats to deep-fry, add bulk or improve texture, whilst keeping prices low. This is bound to impact on people with low incomes who are heavily influenced by food prices.

“Excessive amounts of hidden fats also increase the calorific content of foods, which can all too easily lead to obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes – all additional risk factors for heart disease.”

The two organisations also want to see improved standards, training and quality control in the catering industry linked to the above issues and more effective restrictions on advertising high-fat snacks to children.

A full copy of the joint statement is available on request from either of the numbers below.

 

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Notes to editors

  1. For further information contact Lindsey Stewart, Policy and Communications, Faculty of Public Health T: 07886 960741 or 020 7935 3115 or Sue West, Corporate Communications Manager at Heart of Mersey, on 0151 928 7820.
  2. The Faculty of Public Health and Heart of Mersey have produced a position statement on the impact of fat on public health. Fat – a position statement is available from the Faculty's website: www.fph.org.uk or from Heart of Mersey's website on www.heartofmersey.org.uk
  3. The Faculty is an authoritative public health body which aims to advance the health of the population. It sets and maintains professional and educational standards, and advocates on key public health issues, including providing practical information and guidance for public health professionals. For further information visit the Faculty's website: www.fph.org.uk
  4. Heart of Mersey is a coronary heart disease charity primarily funded by Greater Merseyside's primary care trusts and local authorities. It aims, through advocacy, campaigns, information and research, to co-ordinate a strategic approach to preventing high rates of heart disease and associated inequalities in greater Merseyside. For further information visit HoM's website: www.heartofmersey.org.uk

 

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