Food given to children is now under more scrutiny following a Deakin study into nutrition policies at takeaway outlets.
Researchers from Deakin’s Global Obesity Centre found the majority of fast food companies operating in Australia did not publicly identify health or nutrition as a focus area.
They have suggested instead that water be the default drink for kids’ fast food meals, while kilojoules in meal deals should be cut.
The ‘Inside our Quick Service Restaurants’ report ranks Australia’s 11 biggest fast food companies not by the healthiness of specific products, but according to their policies and commitments to addressing obesity and population nutrition issues.
Scores range from first-placed Subway on 48 out of 100, to bottom-placed Domino’s Pizza on three out of 100, with a company average of just 27.
The report’s lead author Associate Professor Gary Sacks, said takeaway food was making up an increasing proportion of the average Australian’s diet.
“The average Australian household spends almost 32 per cent of its food budget on takeaway and eating out, and the average fast food meal provides up to half of an adult’s daily energy requirements,” he said.
“There’s a real opportunity for fast food companies to help address the problem by introducing policies that make healthier choices, like water and fruit or salad, the automatic option for kids’ meals."
