Heinz

Heinz has a policy to remove hydrogenated oil (or as they put it "TFA-containing ingredients") from its products. This is now reflected in the Linda McCartney vegetarian brand, which is now mostly free of hydrogenated oil.

They sent us (23/03/06) this policy statement:

"Heinz is totally committed to providing safe, wholesome and nourishing foods.

Ingredients containing trans fatty acid (TFA), albeit at very low levels, are used in only a very small number of Heinz varieties. However, as part of our Nutrition Policy, we are already taking steps to eliminate these wherever possible.

Where it is not possible for technical, flavour or texture reasons to remove even very small quantities of TFA-containing ingredients, the amount of TFA in any finished product will be as low as feasibly possible up to a maximum limit proportional to current government advice for daily TFA intake (2 per cent of calories) and the energy contribution of the product to an average adult diet.

For all new recipes our aim is to avoid using TFA-containing ingredients wherever possible.

We are of course well aware of healthy eating guidelines such as to consume less fat and eat more fruit and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle. As a responsible company, our recipes are developed in step with a clear Heinz Nutrition Policy.

As with all our products, we continue to review and improve our recipes as well as the potential to reduce the levels of ingredients such as fat, sugar and salt wherever possible without affecting the taste consumers prefer."

This is generally a positive statement and is being matched by action.

Heinz policy on nutrition

"Heinz has always made it its business to take nutrition seriously. A commitment to producing good food from quality ingredients without the use of artificial colours or preservatives, whenever possible, is part of the company's philosophy. This dates back to company founder,

Henry J Heinz, who was a leading figure in the US campaign for Pure Food Laws. Principles of good nutrition have been a long-standing part of the company's Quality Policy. This clearly states:

• Heinz products shall be formulated and packaged with due consideration to current dietary recommendations and in conformity with legal requirements.
• Heinz will at all times comply with the law. It will be normal practice to comply with Government guidelines and relevant codes of practice in labelling and advertising.
• Heinz is committed to formulating products with the minimal use of additives.
• A list of additives will be maintained, listing their use for specific products.
• Board approval will be required for the use of any additive which is not on the approved list, or where an existing additive is used in another range of products.
• Detailed nutrition and dietetic information shall be made available to Health Professionals and interested consumers.
• The labels of all Heinz Branded products shall bear Nutritional Information.

Heinz is committed to clear, unambiguous labelling to help consumers make an informed choice. In fact Heinz was one of the first food companies to provide full nutrition labelling across all products ahead of Government guidelines in 1986.

Heinz has won awards from nutrition scientists and health campaigners for its commitment to reducing added sugar and salt levels in the majority of Heinz varieties. The 25% reduction in added sugar in standard Heinz Baked Beans has been highlighted. Heinz remains committed to providing nourishing, wholesome foods that can make a positive contribution to good health."

Background info

The Heinz website is at www.heinz.co.uk.

To write / email, use the form on the website.