Trans fatty acid, also known as (partially) hydrogenated fat, are in many prepared foods we buy. They are good for the food industry (they increase shelf life), but are bad for us (they decrease OUR shelf life!)
Trans fats are the stealth bombers of the food world. They are not fully understood, but it is known they raise LDL cholesterol (the bad one) while lowering HDL cholesterol (the good one). They also promote blocked arteries leading to heart disease, high blood pressure and many other diseases. There is also a link between trans fats and type II diabetes. In short, they are a hidden killer.
Denmark has banned them in all food manufacture, including fast food. A common philosophy of McDonald’s is that a McDonald’s product can be bought anywhere throughout the world and it will taste the same. And guess what? Danish consumers cannot taste the difference. The point is - when it’s removed, no-one can spot the difference.
Unfortunately the UK government has no plans to address such an issue. Indeed the EU think it sufficient to tackle the problem with comprehensive labelling and allow the consumer to decide. Try explaining to a child the next time they want a biscuit or snack that they must read the label and reject it if there’s trans fats in the product! Don’t think that one will work for many shoppers. This is simply another example of the power the food industry has on politics.
So, congratulations to both Asda and Marks & Spencer for taking a progressive step forward in removing trans fats from their products. Asda says that by Autumn there will be no trans fats in ready meals, chilled and frozen pies and quiches. Likewise, Marks and Spencer say that 98% of their ready meals are free of hydrogenated fat, while at the same time they are also minimizing saturated fats.
For more information visit the Campaign against trans fat in food:
http://www.tfx.org.uk
http://www.marksandspencer.com
http://www.asda..co.uk