Pizza chain becomes first fast-food chain to ban trans fats

The pizza giant's move, which is expected to be copied by rivals, follows growing concern about the health risks of trans fats.

Often used in cooking oils, they have been linked to heart disease and female infertility.

They are particularly associated with 'bad' cholesterol that furs up arteries.

The Daily Mail has been highlighting the dangers since 2003 and a number of food firms have responded by altering recipes.

Key members of the British Retail Consortium also plan to remove the fats from 5,000 own-label products.

They hailed their decision as the most far-reaching in Europe.

Andrew Opie, the consortium's food policy director, said: "By acting voluntarily, BRC members are showing responsible retailers can cut through to achieve major change faster than any legislation."

Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Boots, Co-op and Iceland are supporting the consortium's move.

Domino's said it had already removed trans fats from some pizzas and side orders and would now do the same for its desserts and remaining pizzas.

Chris Moore, the takeaway and delivery firm's deputy chief executive, said: "We have a responsibility to provide and promote top-quality ingredients and choice to consumers.

"Removing hydrogenated fats actually improves the quality of our ingredients."

Dr Beckie Lang, a public health nutritionist, said: "The fact that Domino's can do this makes it clear to others in the pizza market that it is possible."

Denmark has imposed a national ban on the use of trans fats, a move being challenged in the courts by the European Union.

Trans fats, which are associated with the use of hydrogenated oils, can extend the shelf-life of food and improve its consistency.

But U.S. government health experts say there is no safe level of consumption.

A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston found that women who consume high amounts can have problems conceiving.