Nibbles

National food and drink policy update

Following last year’s consultation with the people of Scotland, a high-profile group of experts has been brought together to oversee five themed workstreams:

  • Sustainable economic growth.
  • Food and drink choices.
  • Celebrating and safeguarding Scotland's reputation.
  • Walking the talk.
  • Access, affordability and security.

These workstreams will combine efforts already taking place within the Scottish Government with new work commissioned within the workstreams. They will be overseen by independent chairpersons to ensure delivery of a clear and consistent approach to food and drink that will strike a better balance between health, the environment and the economy.

Initial findings and recommendations will be presented by March 2009.
For more information see www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Food-Industry/national-strategy.

News Bites

Saturated Fat Campaign
By Kathleen Guinee, Food Standards Agency Scotland

The Food Standards Agency has just launched a major campaign which aims to raise awareness about saturated fat and provide simple steps to change eating, cooking and shopping habits which will reduce saturated fat intake and benefit overall health.  

What’s the problem with
saturated fat?
Reducing saturated fat intake is very important because a diet high in saturated fat increases the chance of developing heart disease. 

What is saturated fat?
Saturated fat is the type of fat which is found in meat products such as meat pies and sausages, hard cheese, butter and lard, pastry, cakes and biscuits, cream and soured cream, coconut oil and palm oil.  

So how can I reduce my intake?

In the supermarket:

  • Choose low-fat varieties of dairy foods such as semi-skimmed, 1% fat milk or skimmed milk, low-fat yoghurts and lower-fat cheeses.
  • Check and compare the labels on foods.
  • Go for fish, turkey or chicken.
  • Go for leaner varieties of mince.
  • Look out for coatings and sauces which may increase the saturated fat levels.
  • Have pies with only one crust rather than two – either a lid or a base – because pastry is very high in sat fat.

Cooking tips

  • Cut any visible fat and skin off meat before cooking.
  • Grill meat rather than frying.
  • Use unsaturated oils such as olive, sunflower or rapeseed instead of butter, lard and ghee.

General tips

  • Try to limit the amount of buns, cakes, pastries, pies and biscuits you eat.
  • Try to limit the amount of sausages, salami, pâté and beef burgers you eat.
  • Grate your cheese – you’ll eat less.

For more information about how to reduce your, and your family’s saturated fat intake, visit www.eatwell.gov.uk or check out our TV ads and poster adverts.

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issue nine: February 2009
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