Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2009.

Health: Dietary Guidelines

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what research has been conducted by the Food Standards Agency to show that their dietary guidelines on salt, hydrogenated (trans-) fat and saturated fat consumption designed to address coronary heart disease do not create other risks to health.

Answer: The Food Standards Agency's (FSA) advice to consumers on salt, hydrogenated (trans-) fat and saturated fat is based on advice from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) on trans fatty acids (2007) and salt (2003), and its predecessor committee, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) on trans fatty acids (1994) and saturated fat (1994). The SACN's recommendations are based on a consideration of studies against a published framework for the evaluation of evidence (SACN, 2002), and both the benefits and risks of a nutrient on health are considered under this framework. The FSA has not funded specific research on risks associated with SACN and COMA advice but monitors scientific research as it is published.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3759; 711 c29WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Health education Fats Food Standards Agency Nutrition Research Salt
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk