The National Heart Foundation of Australia has challenged the food industry to stop using imported palm oil and use healthier oils available through Australian farmers.
At the International Life Sciences Institute conference in Sydney, the health organisation released a paper that explained the role the food industry and governments can play in reducing saturated fat and trans-fat in Australian diets.
Susan Anderson, Heart Foundation’s national director healthy weight, said some in the food industry that argue palm oil is useful in producing desired taste, texture or extending frying time will no longer be tolerated.
Data from the Australian Oilseeds Federation showed that approximately 60 per cent of oils used by the food industry do not meet Heart Foundation Tick standards for healthier oils.
The Heart Foundation admitted that local supplies of healthier canola oils are now available and the extra costs involved in using it can be overcome.