After an extensive three-year research and development effort, Unilever has begun removing the partially hydrogenated vegetable oil from I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, Brummel & Brown, Shedd’s Spread Country Crock and Imperial soft spread products sold in tub formats, thereby eliminating the artificial trans fats in these products.
The company committed to doing so while ensuring that the saturated fat content of these spreads remains as low as possible (2g or less per serving), consistent with dietary guidance to limit saturated fat intake. According to the company, product taste and performance will not change.
“We have been a global leader in the production and innovation of spreads for over 50 years,” said John LeBoutillier, senior vice president and general manager, US Foods, Unilever. “The ultimate goal is to further reduce trans fats in the American diet, while maintaining lower levels of saturated fat than butter and many other soft spreads on the market.”
Since undertaking its global Nutrition Enhancement Program in 2005, Unilever has voluntarily eliminated more than 33,000 US tonnes of trans fat and 20,000 US tonnes of saturated fats from its food and beverage portfolio.
“I commend Unilever on its approach to reducing trans fat levels while keeping lower levels of saturated fat than many other competitive products, including butter,” said Connie Diekman, MEd, RD, LD, FADA, director of university nutrition at Washington University in St Louis, and past president of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).“Leading health authorities have made it clear that it’s advisable for consumers to limit saturated and trans fats in their diets, and, in making this change, Unilever will continue to have a portfolio that provides consumers with better nutrition choices.”
Source: Unilever
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024