Every takeaway ‘should display a calorie count’
RESTAURANTS and takeaways could be forced to list calories on their menus in a new crackdown on obesity.
The move was proposed by Scotland’s food watchdog yesterday along with a ‘code of practice’ to improve children’s menus, which are full of burgers, fried chicken and sugary drinks.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) published recommendations to make eating out a healthier experience.
Two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese and a quarter of the nation’s calories are consumed away from home, in takeaways, cafes and restaurants.
The agency wants food businesses to display mandatory calorie contents when people are choosing what to eat, for example on menus and when ordering takeaways.
It also wants businesses to improve the range of healthy food and drink choices available on children’s menus.
And it would like public sector organisations such as government offices and tourism attractions to comply with a mandatory standard for healthier food on their menus for staff and the public.
That could mean restaurants having to provide smaller portions or reformulate dishes that are high in fat including favourites such as fish suppers and haggis.
The FSS report states: ‘Many cafes, restaurants and food outlets in public sector buildings and tourist attractions already showcase Scottish produce and iconic Scottish products with a view to supporting local food.
‘However, action is needed to ensure the food provided is more closely aligned with the Scottish dietary goals.’
The recommendations followed a recent FSS consultation that showed 68 per cent of those who responded were in favour of calorie labelling.
But industry leaders criticised the move. Willie Macleod, executive director Scotland for UK Hospitality, which represents the sector, said: ‘Mandatory calorie labelling is not going to work.
‘It is beyond the capabilities of small businesses to employ nutritionists and many of them change their menus on a daily basis depending on availability.
‘Our industry has become more responsive and we cater for vegans, vegetarians and those with allergies as well as those who want smaller portions. Eating out is a treat and we would have preferred a voluntary approach.’
However, Ross Finnie, chairman of FSS, said: ‘Almost everybody in Scotland eats out.
‘With two out of three people in Scotland either overweight or obese and a sharp increase in the volume of takeaways being ordered, action is needed to transform the current food environment for our health.’