Consumers say nutritional labelling is needed in eateries
A survey carried out by the Food Standards Agency has found that a vast majority of those questioned would like to see nutritional labels and guides in restaurants, pubs and cafes.
More than 2,000 people responded to the survey and 85% suggested that it is the responsibility of the restaurant, pub and café to make clear what is in the food they serve.
When asked where respondents would expect to see nutritional information for it to be most useful, 81% of people said they would like to see it at the point when they order food, such as on the menu in a restaurant, or visible when they are buying a sandwich or a muffin in a coffee shop or cafe.
In contrast, only 2% of respondents said they would find it useful on company websites.
Overall 63% of people said they would like information about what is in their food when they eat out – 41% wanted information and food to be made healthier by catering establishments, while 22% wanted food to remain the same but wanted nutrition information about it.
FSA Chief Executive Tim Smith explained the results some more: "When we buy food from a retail outlet, it's very clear from the packet what's in the food and we then have control how much salt and fat we add at home. When we eat out, we are asked to suspend any interest in nutritional content of food as the information isn't universally available.
"We know that some companies are already doing a really good job and they are getting behind us with this work. Some of this work isn't as visible and we know companies are starting from different points and we're actively working with different parts of the industry to achieve more progress. There is no reason why I shouldn't see the same information, perhaps presented in a different way, when I eat out of home than when I shop for food in a supermarket.
"Mums are the gatekeepers when it comes to choosing food for their family and the information that's available when eating out should be the same as in the retail environment, when choice is governed by range, price and good nutritional information. When she goes to a restaurant, she wants the same quality of information to help steer choices for her kids. Having that choice gives parents reassurance that they're managing, in an appropriate way, the food their children eat."
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