Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest killers in the UK, with nearly three million women and three million men currently living with the disease. Up to 40,000 deaths from heart disease and stroke could be prevented each year by reducing the levels of salt and saturated fat in our food, NICE suggests.

The guidance calls for a reduction in salt intake, aiming for a maximum intake of 6g per day per adult by 2015 and 3g daily by 2025. This action alone would result in 15,000 - 20,000 fewer deaths from heart disease and stroke every year. NICE also recommends that manufacturers reduce the levels of saturated fat in all food products, and eliminate the use of dangerous trans fats - proven to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke - from processed food and take-aways.

Other guidance recommendations include extending restrictions on TV advertising for foods and high in saturated fats, salt and sugar to 9pm to protect children, and encouraging local planning authorities to restrict planning permission for take-aways and other food retail outlets in specific areas, such as within walking distance of schools.

Topics covered in the guidance include:

How to reduce the nation’s consumption of salt, saturated fats and trans fats
How to ensure food marketing and promotions aimed at children and young people do not encourage them to consume high levels of salt, saturated fats and trans fats
Commercial interests
Food product labelling
The European Union’s common agricultural policy
Public sector catering guidelines
Advice on take-aways and other food outlets.

The recommendations for practice mainly focus on how to plan, develop and run effective regional CVD prevention programmes.

Download the Prevention of cardiovascular Disease Guidance.

Source: Physical Activity and Nutrition Networks Wales