June 14, 2012
Parents need clearer nutritional information when they
dine out
New research has shown pub grub for children is often
packed with high levels of salt.
Consensus Action on Salt and
Health found some pub and restaurant lunches for kids contained
more than their 4g guideline amount of salt for an entire
day. Nando’s Veggie Burger with Creamy Mash contained 5.3g
of salt, while a Wiltshire Cured Ham and
Cheese Sandwich at Wetherspoons, served with chips, contained
4.8g.
The findings also showed a lack of
nutritional information on menus makes it difficult for
parents to opt for a healthy choice if they want to.
Parents are being kept in the dark about the amount of salt served up in their child’s food
Our
Policy Manager, Mubeen Bhutta, said: “Most parents do
everything they can to
keep their family
healthy, and so many mums and dads strive to
avoid the
salt shaker.
“The disappointing thing about these findings
is that parents choosing to head out for lunch are being
kept in the dark about the amount of salt served
up in their child’s food.
“Whether you’re out at a restaurant or
shopping in the supermarket, consistent traffic light coloured
labelling on packs and menus would give
busy parents the at-a-glance information they
need.”