English: Averages (%) of foods containing appropriate fat levels (to limit fat intake) based on the proposed method in food groups. All low fat and fat free foods, excluding low fat and fat free baby foods, are based on the reference energy intake of 2,000 kcal for adults and children aged 4 years and older. Low fat and fat free baby foods are based on the reference energy intake of 1,000 kcal for children 1 through 3 years of age.

About 95.7% of foods contained fat. On the basis of the proposed method, the averages (%) of fat free and low fat foods in food groups were 15.73% and 44.35%, respectively. Cereal grains and pasta with 98.34%, fruits and fruit juices with 97.49%, vegetables and vegetable products with 92.59%, beverages with 91.08%, breakfast cereals with 88.92%, spices and herbs with 69.23%, soups, sauces, and gravies with 68.49%, American Indian/Alaska Native foods with 59.06%, legumes and legume products with 57.49%, finfish and shellfish products with 57.36%, sweets with 51.2%, and baby foods with 47.12% had the highest averages (%) of low fat foods. In contrast, restaurant foods with 2.17%, fast foods with 4.64%, fats and oils with 6.82%, beef products with 7.28%, sausages and luncheon meats with 12.94%, pork products with 14.66%, and lamb, veal, and game products with 15.95% had the lowest averages (%) of low fat foods.

Suggested citation: Forouzesh, Abed; Forouzesh, Fatemeh; Samadi Foroushani, Sadegh; Forouzesh, Abolfazl. A new method for calculating fat content and determining appropriate fat levels in foods. Iran J Public Health 2023;52:1038–1047. DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i5.12722