CHAPTER 5: CHANGES IN LEGISLATION - WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU

In Scotland, the School Meals Bill passed by the Scottish Executive states that the type of fat, spreads and oils to be used are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated and/or low fat polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. FLORA and FLORA Light fit into this specification.

Schools will be required to raise the bar further with even more stringent nutrient-based standards – stipulating the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals for school meals – introduced in primary schools in England and Wales (already in Scotland) by September 2008, and secondary schools by September 2009.

Spreading only a thin spread (5g) of FLORA Light spread on one slice of bread in a sandwich will supply at least 2⁄3 of the folic acid and 1⁄5 of the vitamin A required by the nutrient standards for school lunches, whilst 5g only supplies a small amount towards the maximum levels of fat (max. 10%), saturated fat, salt (max. 2%) and calories (max. 4%). Why not use FLORA in your cooking as well as in snacks and sandwiches.

How does FLORA fit within the new Government Food Standards Agency Salt Reduction Targets for 2010?

• At least 26 million people in the UK eat too much salt. The FSA salt reduction targets will help progress towards bringing down the average UK salt intake to the recommended 6g a day.
• The targets apply to salt levels in the 85 food categories that contribute most to the amount of salt in our diet. These include everyday foods such as bread, meat products and cereal products, and convenience products like pizza, ready meals, savoury snacks, cakes and pastries. Processed foods contribute around 75% of salt to the diet.
• FLORA Original and Light spreads already meet the FSA Salt Reduction Targets for 2010 for fat spreads.
• FLORA Original Spread contains 1.4g salt per 100g and FLORA Light spread contains 1.3g salt per 100g, both of which are less than the target (1.5g salt per 100g).

How does FLORA fit within the new Government work being carried out on saturated fat?

A serving of butter contains more than twice the fat compared to a serving of FLORA Light Spread and more than 1/3more fat than FLORA Original Spread.
Butter contains more than 5 times the amount of saturated fat than FLORA Light Spread and more than 4 times the amount than FLORA Original Spread. The saturated fat in butter, which contains 50% saturated fat, contributes 6% of the UK daily saturated fat intake.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has a target of reducing saturated fat intake in the UK population (for everyone aged 5 and up) from 13.4% to below 11% of food energy by 2010.
An independent review carried out for the FSA* detailed the fact that large reductions in the saturated and total fat content of margarines and spreads have been made over the past few years, coupled in many cases with the removal of hydrogenated fats from the formulation.
Unilever reduced the total fat content of FLORA Original Spread from 70% to 59% and reduced the saturated fat by 23% in 2001. Unilever was the first spreads
manufacturer to remove trans fats in the early 1990’s.

* Independent advice on possible reductions for saturated fat in products that contribute to consumer intakes Summary Report Prepared for Food Standards Agency by Geoff Talbot November 2006.

How does FLORA fit within Healthcare?

The NHS is requiring that suppliers reduce salt levels in line with the FSA 2010 Salt Reduction Targets. FLORA Original and Light spreads are below the targets for salt content.
In addition, eating FLORA spreads as part of a varied, balanced diet and active lifestyle can help reduce cholesterol and maintain a healthy heart.

FLORA Heart training materials are for information purposes only. Individual requirements vary depending on age, sex, weight and level of physical activity. If you have any concerns about your heart health or diet please consult your doctor.