Have they been telling porkies? The ‘low fat’ sausages that may not be so healthy

IT was the news to gladden the hearts – and stomachs – of many who are trying desperately to lose weight.

But ‘healthy’ sausages marketed with the promise of being low in fat may not be so guilt-free after all. For one group of experts allege that Porky Lights contain up to six times the amount of fat claimed on the packet and has rated them as nine times more unhealthy than originally thought.

The sausages, advertised as containing just 78 calories each, have proved a huge hit among dieters, with soaring sales leading to reports a month ago of shortages in supermarkets. Slimming World told its members that each Porky Light was rated at just half a ‘syn point’ – a thirtieth of its recommended daily intake of higher calorie foods and treats.

But now the organisation says its analysis found that instead of being only 3 per cent fat – or 2.5g per sausage – Porky Lights are up to 19 per cent fat and each one should count as 4.5 syn points. Slimming World, whose findings have been disputed by Porky Lights said: ‘We sent a batch of the Porky Lights sausages away for nutritional analysis as we felt concerned about the fatty texture.

‘This is something we do routinely with products that we worry may affect our members’ weight losses. The analysis showed that the sausages were indeed much higher in fat than the nutrition panel indicated. We’ve been in touch with Porky Lights to let them know our findings, and they’re looking into it.’

G White & Co, the makers of Porky Lights, last night stood by the advertised fat and calorie content of its sausages, which cost £2.25 for six.

On its Facebook page, where several dieters had complained about possibly being misled, it said the Slimming World results were ‘ highly inconsistent’ with those from the firm’s own tests, which are carried out monthly at accredited labs.

The statement said: ‘We hope to be working closely with Slimming World to understand how their results differ from the findings of other laboratories.

‘We hope that, once clarified, Porky Lights fans can enjoy their sausages in the full knowledge that they really are only 3 per cent fat and 78 calories per sausage.’