The Fast Food Industry is Joining the Fight against Obesity - Can it do more?

Fast food giants such as McDonalds, seem to have responded to consumer demand (and decreasing sales) with the development of their new ‘healthy choice’ range. At the same time, they have displayed further interest in joining the health industry in tackling Australia’s growing obesity problem by decreasing their television advertising to children by 40%.

The improved and healthier food choices which are now available at their outlets can be seen as a positive move. It provides consumers with the opportunity to make some healthier choices. Consumers do need to be wary and check the nutrition information panel to ensure the ‘healthy’ lower fat options are truly healthy and not too high in sugar, salt and total energy (kilojoule/calorie) value. The McDonalds nutrition information material shows the “Chicken Foldover” contains 1052 mg sodium (not really in line with the Australian Dietary Guideline to “choose foods low in salt”).The carbohydrate content of the chicken foldover is equivalent to 3 slices of bread and an Orange muffin offers the equivalent of 4 slices of bread. The energy content of the muffins comes in around 1600kJ (380 Calories) and together with a “Berrynice Yoghurt Crunch”, while both low in fat, they offer a total energy value of 2920 kJ (695 Calories).

To date, the healthier options have mainly been targeted at adults rather than children. To contribute even further to their current ‘obesity-fighting’ strategy perhaps McDonalds could pursue the challenge of tempting children with healthier food choices. Aloysa Hourigan, senior nutritionist with Nutrition Australia suggests:- “It would be a welcomed move to see fast food chains such as McDonalds promote healthier food options for children. One way to do this could be to provide a ‘meal deal’ that includes the much desired promotional ‘toy’ with a healthier food choice that is in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia. Such a move would support the current strong focus from both the government and health professionals on preventing childhood obesity.”

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For Further Information and Story Opportunities Contact:

Aloysa Hourigan
Senior Nutritionist
Mobile: 0417 078 956
Nutrition Australia (Qld.)
Phone: 07-3257 4393
Fax: 07-3257 4616
Email: qld@NutritionAustralia.org

Lucinda Dobson
Executive Officer
Nutrition Australia (Vic.)
Phone/Fax: 03 - 9528 2453
Email: vic@nutritionaustralia.org

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Last updated on September 13, 2003 .