Trans fat consumption in New Zealand
It is heartening to hear that New Zealanders are eating less trans fats than three years ago, and at levels that are below World Health Organisation goals1. The average intake of trans fatty acids in New Zealand is estimated to be 0.5-0.6% of total dietary energy.2
We need to be concerned about how much trans fats we eat, as there is a well-established relationship between the intake of trans fatty acids and increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Trans fatsare formed mainly during the processing of edible oils to make solid fats used in shortenings and margarines. Trace amounts can be produced in the heating and frying of oils at high temperatures. Trans fats are also found naturally in ruminant foods - beef, mutton, lamb and dairy fat.
A reason for the decrease in trans fat intake has been voluntary initiatives by ‘quick service restaurants’ (QSR) i in New Zealand, which have lowered the levels of trans fatty acids, by focussing on healthy frying practices and appropriate oil choices.
However, although people are eating less trans fatty acids, the amount of saturated and trans fats combined now represents 14-16% of total energy intake, which far exceeds the New Zealand guideline of 8-10%.3 To reduce your intake of both types of fat, choose
· healthier oils and fats such as olive/ canola/ rice bran oil and margarines
· low or reduced fat dairy products
· lean meat and chicken.
· limit foods high fat foods like pastry products, sausages, luncheon meats, cheese, deep fried foods and creamy pasta dishes to fit into a healthy balanced diet.
1 The WHO goal (2009) for TFA intake is that the great majority of the population should have TFA intakes below 1% of total energy.
2 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ): Review report: trans fatty acids in the New Zealand and Australian food supply. July 2009. www.foodstandards.gov.au
For further information:
New Zealand Nutrition Foundation webpage: Fats
FSANZ Fact Sheet: Trans fatty acids