More pasta sauces need sugar and fat warnings, Says Mars Foods

Mars Food, the company behind popular food products like Dolmio’s and Uncle Ben’s, will now have a warning on some of their products advising consumers to eat them no more than once a week.

Mars Food is introducing new labels to distinguish between “everyday” and “occasional” products.

All Dolmio lasagne meal kits, lasagne sauces, oven bake kits and pesto will fall into the latter category.

It is part of a five-year global health initiative announced by the company.

Mars Food said: “To maintain the authentic nature of the recipe, some Mars Food products are higher in salt, added sugar or fat.

“As these products are not intended to be eaten daily, Mars Food will provide guidance to consumers on-pack and on its website regarding how often these meal offerings should be consumed within a balanced diet.

“The Mars Food website will be updated within the next few months with a list of ‘occasional’ products – those to be enjoyed once per week – and a list of ‘everyday’ products.”

The ingredients in a 320g jar of Dolmio Bolognese sauce include tomatoes (78%), tomato paste (11%), onions, lemon juice, cornflour, salt, basil (0.3%), sugar, garlic, parsley, herb and spices.

According to the company’s website, a 160g serving contains 53 calories, 0.2g fat, no saturates, 6.7g of sugars (7% of the recommended daily intake for an adult) and 1.28g of salt (21% of the RDI).

Mars Food plans to revamp many of its products, including Dolmio pasta sauces, by reducing salt, added sugar and fat.

It says the majority of products will still be “everyday” and only 10% are likely to be recommended for occasional use.

The company has pledged to cut salt internationally by an average of 20% by 2021.

Mars Food added: “We’re holding ourselves to a much higher standard, based on guidance from leading health authorities such as the World Health Organisation, which will lead us to further reducing sodium across our global product portfolio by an average of 20% by 2021 and added sugar in a limited number of sauces and light meals by 2018.

“While we have some work to do, 70% percent of our tomato-based Dolmio jar products already meet this ‘everyday’ standard.”

Agencies/Canadajournal