Medical researchers in the UK say that food labels should list all fats contained in the product to help reduce rates of heart disease.
An article in the British Medical Journal says this could help consumers spot which products contain trans fatty acids - or trans fats - thereby helping cut the risk of heart disease.
The journal says trans fats increase so-called bad cholesterol levels in the blood leading to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
They are made from a vegetable oil base and are used as an ingredient in processed foods such as margarine, biscuits, cakes and fast food.
The article refers to a previous study which linked a 2% increase in energy intake from trans fatty acids to a 23% rise in the rates of coronary heart disease.
Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration ruled that all food manufacturers should show trans fat and cholesterol content on nutrition labels.
