As nutrition and health issues continue to dominate the headlines, spreads manufacturer Flora has introduced an online training kit, designed to educate bakery staff as well as other foodservice operators about ’good’ versus ’bad’ fats.

Flora parent company Unilever Foodsolutions says that fat does play a valid role in the diet, as a source of energy and providing building blocks for the body’s cells. Some, such as omega 3 and 6 are also essential fats that must be consumed in the diet as the body cannot generate these itself.

They are needed to maintain a healthy heart, says the company. Yet in 2004, a survey of 2,000 adults for the Unilever Health Institute found that 55% were looking to eat fewer fried foods, less butter and cut down on fat in general.

The online training kit is an easy-to-use interactive concept, says Unilever, enabling bakers to instruct their staff in a way that’s beneficial to their customers’ health and their profits. Each training kit covers:

? the difference between ’good’ fats and ’bad’ fats

? the importance of ’good’ fats in maintaining a healthy heart

? recipes and practical tips on how to add Flora spreads into a menu

? a fun, educational quiz to ensure that users "get their fats right".

Bakers who submit their team’s answers online will receive a Flora point-of-sale kit that includes a "we’ve got our fats right" certificate and window sticker to promote the fact to their customers that they are offering healthier options. In addition, the Flora team is giving participants the chance to win a spa day for two.

According to Flora, its Original and Light Spreads are made with ’good’ fat, which it describes as high in polyunsaturates, rich in omega 3 and 6 oils, folic acids and vitamins B6 and B12.

The company says its spreads are low in saturates, virtually transfat free and contain no hydrogenated oils, all identified as ’bad’ fats. The spreads are also gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians, says the firm.

To download Flora’s online training kit, go to [http://www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.uk] and click on Flora. Alternatively, text your details to 07781 480139 and the Flora team will post one to you.