Tougher policies on food health could prevent 30,000 deaths a year in the UK, researchers claimed yesterday.
The analysis, published by the World Health Organisation, called for a ban on industrial transfats and reductions in saturated fats and salt in food.
There would also need to be more action to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Experts say that countries in Scandinavia have reduced deaths from heart disease and achieved other benefits by similar policies.
Researcher Professor Simon Capewell, of Liverpool University, UK, said: "Using the legislation and taxation which has already been successful in Europe, new UK government policies could prevent between 10,000 and 30,000 deaths every year.
"Both adults and children deserve better protection from the harmful effects of cheap junk food and sugary drinks. A simple first step could be to eliminate industrial trans fats, as done successfully in Denmark and elsewhere."
Francesco Branca, of WHO, said the research showed how countries could help achieve world targets, which seek to reduce deaths from diseases not caused by infection by 25 per cent by 2025.
He said: "This study reaffirms how strong nutrition policies could rapidly lead to substantial public health benefits."
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