Mars makes 15% sat fat reduction in UK
The world’s largest confectioner, Mars, has announced what it believes is an industry-first in the UK with a 15% reduction of saturated fat in their core products.
“Mars Chocolate UK has today announced a first for the confectionery industry with a significant reduction in saturated fat across a number of its core chocolate bars. This announcement is the result of 5 years of development, an investment of 10m Euros and a commitment of over 40,000 R&D man hours,” they said in a statement.
From the summer of 2010 in the UK, Mars, Snickers, Milky Way, Topic and Flyte will all contain at least 15% less saturated fat per bar without impacting taste, Mars advised.
The American-based company said the move had been made as part of a commitment to improving the health of their goods, which includes cuts in trans fat levels, removal of artificial colours and flavours, and the introduction of front-of-pack labelling.
“Saturated fat is a health issue that needs addressing by consumers and food manufacturers alike,” Professor Judy Buttriss, Director General of the British Nutrition Foundation, said. “In order to reduce total intakes across the population to below 10% of total energy intake, the formulation of all sources of saturated fat – even popular treats – needs to be tackled. Any initiative to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the UK diet is a step in the right direction.”
