Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 19 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 February 2005. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 February 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the health effects of partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) in the food supply; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the health effects of partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) in the food supply; and if he will make a statement. [210427] Miss Melanie Johnson: Recent research has been carried out by the European Food Safety Authority on the presence, consumption and the health effects of trans-unsaturated fatty acids (TFAs) in foods. It concluded that, given current dietary intake of TFAs in many countries including the United Kingdom, their potential to significantly increase heart disease risk is much lower than that of saturated fats. Dietary surveys of the UK population show intakes of TFAs are below the agreed dietary recommendations, whereas intakes for saturated fats exceed them. The Government continue to monitor developments in the evidence base, which might influence their future advice on the issue. The Government consider reducing saturated fat consumption to be of greater significance for public health.

Secondary information