Row over labelling of trans fats in food

CONSUMER groups want hidden fat that contributes to heart disease and cholesterol to be limited or banned but the Irish Food Safety Authority says it should be enough to label it.

Trans fatty acid is the subject of a class action in the US being taken by consumers against Kentucky Fried Chicken while the American Heart Foundation says it should be strictly limited to 1% of total calories.

Designed to give food a long shelf life and improve the flavour and texture industrially produced trans fats are found in most processed, convenience and fast foods.