Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

UK food manufacturers are being urged to reduce the levels of saturated fat and sugar they include in their products.

In a bid to improve public health, the Food Standards Agency is launching a consultation over proposals to introduce voluntary recommendations which would also increase the availability of smaller portion sizes.

The agency hopes to encourage companies to increase their health awareness relating to items like cakes, pastries, biscuits and soft drinks.

Gill Fine, director of consumer choice and dietary health at the organisation, said that more progress is required to reduce saturated fat, added sugar and portion sizes.

She commented: "The food industry regularly reviews its ingredients and processes, as well as portion sizes, and the aim of this proposal is to encourage them to consider how they can play their part in improving public health and helping consumers to maintain a healthy weight."

The consultation process aims to build on the body's Saturated Fat and Energy Intake Programme, which was launched last year to improve consumer awareness of healthy eating.

Food Standards Agency representatives have also announced the organisation is seeking a new chair and expert in molecular biology to join its Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.