Fast food chains commit to health
Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, the Subway chain and Wimpy have pledged to take further steps to provide healthier products.
Last year, the five companies made commitments to demonstrate how they are supporting the Food Standard Agency’s efforts to make eating out of the home healthier.
All companies now report salt reductions across core menu items; Subway achieved an average 33% reduction in salt levels across its core products range.
Meanwhile, Wimpy has rolled out calorie labelling nationwide and KFC launched lower salt versions of its Crispy Strips and Boneless Bites.
Saturated fat reduction also features as a key area for investigation and action by the companies in 2010.
Clair Baynton, FSA head of nutrition, says the further commitments are “good news for public health”.
The Agency is currently working with 44 companies, each of which has produced a commitment document covering procurement, menu planning, kitchen practice and consumer information.
Last month the FSA launched an advertising campaign to encourage consumers to pay more attention to the salt levels in foods.
The Government’s food watchdog is also considering proposals from various agencies following a tender to create a single corporate identity with the Meat Hygiene Service. It is also reviewing how it works with the Department of Health’s Change4Life initiative where dual branding is required.
