Research and Markets: According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Intake of Trans Fat Should Be as Low as Possible.

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c21123) has announced the addition of Global Market Review of Trans Fats - With Future Outlook to their offering.

It has been suggested that consumers are currently over-dependent on convenience and processed foods, due to an inability to cook and a lack of understanding of the fundamentals of nutrition. It is argued that the food industry is taking advantage of this and is not interested in, or is ignoring the basic needs for health. As consumption of processed foods grows, so does the intake of saturated and trans fatty acids (TFAs), which can lead to high LDL cholesterol, type II diabetes, asthma, Alzheimers, heart disease and even death.

The use of these fats, which make food longer lasting, easier to cook and thicker in substance, is not made clear to consumers. TFAs cannot be found on the nutrition label of any products, despite the fact that highly respected scientists such as Professor Walter Willet have conducted studies showing that they are even more likely to have detrimental effects on our health than saturated fats.

This new report looks at the varying levels of response to the issue of TFAs, and the approaches taken by the food industries and regulatory bodies in Denmark, Canada, and USA. It then discusses the changes expected to take place in Israel, France and Australia, along with the European perspective on TFAs as a health issue. The report also shows the findings of a survey that was conducted to assess the levels of knowledge that consumers in the UK have of trans fats, and health related issues.

Chapter one is an executive summary and chapter two is an introduction. Chapter three defines trans fats, as Jane Perkins, quality control manager at leading dairy company Arla Foods, says "I'm not sure consumers understand what trans fats are and it doesn't seem like the science world knows enough yet either".

Chapter four examines the Danish market, which has the strictest trans fats legislation in the world, as since January 2004 they have effectively been banned and removed from consumers reach altogether. Denmark's food minister has said: "We put the public health above the industry's interests". Many are now questioning why other countries, including the UK, cannot follow suit with an effective ban on trans fats.

Chapter five analyses the US market, where labelling regulations are to be introduced, requiring companies to declare the quantity of trans fats in products, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stated that the "Intake of trans fat should be as low as possible".

Chapter six highlights Canada's anti-trans fats attitude. There are reports that Canadians eat, on average, more than 10 grams of trans fats a day, but this is expected to fall significantly as the food industry is forced to act more responsibly. Health Canada will be raising consumer awareness about trans fats and market leaders in the food industry are reformulating products and using the new legislation as a means to target health-conscious consumers.

Chapter seven notes how other countries are sitting up and taking notice. It outlines the reactions of Israel- who may be next in line to tackle trans fats, France- where the food standards agency recommends urgent action against trans fats, and Australia- where regulations currently stipulate that manufacturers do not have to include trans fat information on labels, unless they make a claim about cholesterol or unsaturated fats.

Chapter eight highlights the European position on TFAs. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel reviewed dietary intakes and health effects in 2004, concluding that TFAs raise cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, and that the effect of TFAs on heart health may be greater than that of saturated fatty acids.

Chapter nine looks at how the core players in the UK food industry are taking a lead in developing and marketing products that consider the growing concern over TFAs, which has arisen from overseas interest, awareness in healthy eating, and scrutiny from the media. This chapter includes comment from retailers such as Julian Graves, Waitrose, Tesco, the Co-op, and Nestle who "believes that all its consumers worldwide have a right to understand and choose what they eat and drink. Nestle is therefore introducing the first ever nutritional on-pack labelling system to be implemented worldwide, called the Nestle Nutritional Compass, which will guide and encourage consumers in their nutrition, health and wellness journey on a daily basis", explains Robin Tickle.

Chapter ten outlines how companies in The USA have used labelling laws to their advantage, identifying marketing opportunities associated with producing trans fat free products. This section includes Wilbur, Jays potatoes, Kraft, Z-Trim, and Mcdonalds.

Chapter eleven identifies and gives the benefits of alternatives to trans fats including soybean oil, tropical oils, rice bran oil, and animal fat.

Chapter twelve shows the results of a survey conducted to assess consumer awareness of trans fats. It also defines the terminology associated with fats and healthy eating, such as HDL cholesterol and saturated fats, looking at the foods in which they can be found.

Chapter thirteen provides a conclusion and forecasts the possibilities the future will bring: labelling, a ban, or self-regulation of trans fats.

Companies Mentioned

--Waitrose

--Tesco

--The Co-op

--Nestle

--Weetabix

--Swedish Glace

--Cauldron foods

--Traidcraft

--United Biscuits

--Horlicks

--Ginsters

--Muller

--Wilbur

--Jays Potato Chips

--Kraft

--Z-Trim

--McDonald's

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c21123