Foods that contain harmful trans fats need labelling

In the light of Australia and New Zealand agreeing to formally collaborate on ways to mitigate the health impacts of trans fats, the Green Party is renewing its call for the mandatory labelling of these harmful substances, Greens' Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

"I am delighted that Food Safety Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has finally acknowledged the serious adverse health effects of trans fats, and that it will be chairing meetings aimed at finding ways the two countries can reduce the number of trans fats in our food supply," Ms Kedgley says.

"However, the fact that Government officials are meeting with industry to investigate ways of reducing the amount of trans fats does not obviate the need for mandatory labelling of trans fats, as USA law requires.

"Consumers have an absolute right to know whether harmful trans fats are contained in the food they are about to purchase, so that they can avoid those foods, if they wish."

"Trans fats are harmful to our health, increasing cholesterol and the risk of coronary disease - yet they are completely unnecessary and they have no nutritional value whatsoever. Manufacturers should be required to switch to other, less harmful fats - and in the meantime, to label the amount of trans fats in food products," Ms Kedgley says.

"FSANZ should also take a lead in informing the public about the risks of trans fats, the foods they are likely to be found in, and the steps consumers can take to avoid exposure to them."

ENDS

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