A New York-style ban on trans fats in food is not needed in the UK because consumption rates are already very low, the official food watchdog has said.
The Food Standards Agency's (FSA) Board ruled out mandatory restrictions after reviewing evidence about trans fats in the UK.
It will advise ministers that voluntary measures by the food industry have already cut trans fat consumption, making further curbs unnecessary.
Trans fats make up just 1% of food energy for the average UK consumer - half the recommended maximum intake. But saturated fat consumption is about 13.3% of food energy per person compared with the recommended maximum of 11%.
The FSA's Board said working with the food industry to reduce saturated fat levels in food was its priority, alongside continued monitoring of trans fat consumption.
