Action call on takeaway portion size
Dundee is poised to back a ban on “go large” promotions on meals in cafés, restaurants and takeaways.
A council committee has endorsed a move to mandatory calorie labelling. Dundee has Scotland’s worst obesity rate for primary one-age children.
A Scottish local authority has signalled its support for a ban on “go large” promotions on meals in cafés, restaurants and takeaways in an attempt to tackle the nation’s poor diet.
Councillors in Dundee, which has the worst obesity rate for primary one-age children anywhere in mainland Scotland based on NHS Scotland figures, is expected to formally back plans to introduce mandatory measures to address the obesity crisis.
The body responsible for food standards and nutrition in Scotland is consulting on a range of proposals, including mandatory calorie labelling.
Food Standards Scotland has said the country’s diet is too high in calories, fats, sugars, and salt, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Now Dundee City Council’s community safety and public protection committee has endorsed the watchdog’s suggestions, stating that “mandatory means” are necessary to address problems that cost Scotland £4.6 billion a year.
In its draft consultation response, the committee said it wants outlets to serve smaller portions and print the calorie contents of meals on menus.
A report to councillors, who will be asked to formally approve the response at a meeting on Monday, states: “There is no single solution to tackling the issue of a poor diet.
“However, eating outside the home is one of the areas where change is needed as in many cases the food and drink on
offer tends to be a less healthy option.”
The council’s response argues that as well as compulsory calorie labelling, food inspectors should be trained to carry out checks to ensure premises are meeting the new regulations.
It states: “Businesses need to cease practices that encourage over-consumption. This will require defining carefully which practices encourage overeating. Multi-packs and ‘go large’ promotions on meals and drinks should be banned.
Healthy meal deals could be promoted.”
Alan Ross, the convener of the committee, said: “Basically, we are trying to promote healthier lifestyle choices.
“It’s about people living longer, reducing the strain on the NHS and the benefits of eating healthily.”
NHS Tayside dietetic consultant in public health nutrition Joyce Thompson said: “NHS Tayside is aware that food eaten outside the home currently makes up a significant part of people’s diets and
therefore welcomes the Food Standards Scotland’s consultation on proposals to improve the out-of-home food environment.”
Heather Peace, head of public health nutrition at Food Standards Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Dundee City Council are planning to take part in our out-of-home consultation.”
Jonathon Clark, owner of Clark’s Bakery in the city, said hewouldcomplywithanynew rules, but did not think mandatory calorie labelling “makes much sense”. He said: “If somebody wants to eat something healthy, they’ll make it themselves at home. If it’s a rainy day then we are at our busiest as people want comfort food.”
The proposal has emerged just weeks after American chain Fatburger opened a branch on Dundee’s Reform Street. The business is famed for its “Fatburger challenge”, which tasks people with eating four beef patties.