Findings from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found that although we are eating less saturated fat, trans fat and added sugar than 10 years ago, the level remains over the recommended intake. In saturated fats the intake in adults has dropped to 12.8% but this is still above the ideal level of 11%.
The figures also show that British people are still eating too much added sugar. The level is currently at 12.5% of food energy intake, compared to the recommended 11%. Additionally we are not eating enough fibre, which is vital for healthy digestion.
Gill Fine, Director of Consumer Choice and Dietary Health at the Agency, said: ‘Good nutrition is important for health, and poor diet accounts for a large percentage of premature deaths.
On the other hand the survey found that more than a third of men and women were meeting the ‘5-a-day’ fruit and vegetable quota that has featured in many advertising campaigns.
The FSA are hoping that these positive indications will continue to have an affect on what we choose to eat.
Ms Fine added: ‘By continuing our programme of campaign work and encouraging product reformulation in key areas, such as saturated fat, we will hopefully observe further improvements over the next few years.’
See also: Five Tips on How to Quit Sugar
