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Fast Facts: the availability and accessibility of nutrition information in fast food chains
Author(s) -
Wellard Lyndal,
Glasson Colleen,
Chapman Kathy,
Miller Caroline
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he11184
Subject(s) - population health , nutrition information , health economics , food chain , business , public health , environmental health , health information , internet privacy , medicine , computer science , population , food science , health care , economics , economic growth , biology , nursing , paleontology
Issue Addressed Nutrition information at the point‐of‐sale assists consumers to make informed fast food choices. This study provides a baseline measure of the availability and accessibility of nutrition information in fast food outlets in Australia, filling a gap in the literature. Methods An in‐store observational survey was conducted in 222 outlets of five fast food chains in five states. The Australian websites for each chain were surveyed for nutrition information. Results At least some nutrition information was available in 66% of outlets. The availability of information was higher in lower socioeconomic areas. Significantly less information was available in signatory chains of the self‐regulatory marketing code. Information provided was generally incomplete; only one outlet (0.5%) provided information for all food and beverage items. In some instances information was old. Information was more available for ‘healthier’ products and less available for meal combinations. Information was provided on all chains' websites, however it was sometimes difficult to locate. Conclusions While most outlets surveyed made some nutrition information available to consumers, it was generally incomplete. Fast food chains should provide comprehensive, up‐to‐date information for all menu items. Chains should also ensure their staff members are adequately trained in providing nutrition information. So what? This research provided a baseline measure of the availability of nutrition information in fast food chains. Mandatory publication of energy on menu boards represents an improvement to existing practices by fast food chains. Tightening the self‐regulatory marketing code is required to ensure that nutrition information is available at the point‐of‐sale.