Which? wages war on levels of ‘killer fats'

Consumer champion Which? is demanding action after finding "shocking levels" of an artificial "killer fat" in many fast-food restaurant meals and processed foods.

Trans-fatty acids, said Which?, have no nutritional value but can clog arteries and cause more heart damage than saturated fats. They are formed when oils and fats are hydrogenated (solidified) to alter the texture of food and extend its shelf life.

Experts cited by Which? believed there was no safe level for trans fats and that just 1g a day could significantly increase the risk of heart disease.

KFC's products came off worst in a test of 30 popular foods. Its regular Colonel's Crispy Strips and fries contained a whopping 4.4g of trans fats per portion.

McDonald's McNuggets and fries came second on the trans fat danger table, serving up 3g per portion. A Burger King Whopper and fries contained 2.3g.

Convenience foods with unacceptably high levels included pies, quiches, roast potatoes, chocolate bars and biscuits.

All three fast-food chains claimed to be testing oils to cut levels of trans fats, with McDonald's claiming it had reduced levels by 50% since 1998. Brakes, a major food supplier to the food service sector, also claimed to be working with suppliers to reduce levels in some of its products.

According to the Food and Drink Federation, the industry is trying to reduce trans fats to levels "as low as is technically possible". Consumption, it added, has dropped from 2.1% of total energy in 1985 to 1.2% in 2000.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 14 October 2004