How asking if you want fries has had its chips

TEMPTING customers to add to their order with a tasty treat is a time-honoured tradition.

But under new rules aimed at combating obesity, waiters may be forbidden from asking: ‘Do you want fries with that?’

Restaurant chains would not be allowed to invite consumers to ‘go large’ for a small extra cost, or to ask if they want chips with their meal.

The clampdown on the marketing ploy is one of several ideas proposed by the Scottish Government-funded group Obesity Action Scotland (OAS), which brings together expertise from clinicians and public health experts.

Ministers are preparing to introduce new measures as the country struggles to battle the bulge.

Two-thirds of adults are either obese or overweight, while obesity rates in primary one schoolchildren continue to rise.

A ban on supermarket deals that encourage bulk buying of unhealthy foods such as crisps and sweets is also being considered.

Arguing for politicians to go further in its response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on obesity, which ended last week, OAS says that legislation could make a significant difference.

A recent report by the Royal Society for Public Health also concluded that Britain’s obesity crisis is being fuelled by businesses pushing unhealthy food and larger portions. These typically involved larger coffees and extra side dishes including onion rings and chips.

The society found that on average those who gave in to the temptation consume an extra 17,000 calories a year, enough to put on 5lb in 12 months.

The group also says it could be useful if restaurants were required to introduce calorie-capped sections on menus.

McDonald’s is among those to have recently introduced a range of meals with fewer than 400 calories on its menu.

OAS programme leader Lorraine Tulloch said: ‘Portion sizes have grown over a number of years and there needs to be some level of portion control.’ She said this ‘could be done in a variety of ways, such as having part of a menu guaranteed to be under a certain calorie cap so consumers can make the best choice’.

OAS also wants ministers to issue guidance on how much time people should spend in front of screen-based entertainment including televisions, tablets and smartphones, and on the most appropriate amount of time to spend sleeping, given the links between obesity and sedentary behaviour and lack of sleep.

It also wants to curb advertising of unhealthy food and drinks at locations popular with children, including on billboards.

And it believes the Scottish Government should consider restricting sponsorship of events by brands whose products are high in fat, sugar and salt.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We have put forward a package of measures designed to help people make healthier choices, empower personal change and show real leadership.

‘Improving the food environment is the biggest change we want to see in terms of public health.

‘Our strategy includes world leading proposals to restrict the marketing of foods high in fat, salt and sugar.

‘We fully appreciate all comments received to our consultation and will carefully consider the suggestions made.’

‘Some level of portion control’