Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

OBJECTIVE: Fast foods are often energy dense and offered in large serving sizes. Observational data have linked the consumption of fast foods to an increased risk of obesity and related diseases. DESIGN: We surveyed the reported energy, total fat and saturated fat contents, and serving sizes, of fast-food items from five major chains across ten countries, comparing product categories as well as specific food items available in most countries. SETTING: MRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge, UK. SUBJECTS: Data for 2961 food and drink products were collected, with most from Canada (n 550) and fewest from the United Arab Emirates (n 106). RESULTS: There was considerable variability in energy and fat contents of fast foods across countries, reflecting both the portfolio of products and serving size variability. Differences in total energy between countries were particularly noted for chicken dishes (649-1197 kJ/100 g) and sandwiches (552-1050 kJ/100g). When comparing the same product between countries variations were consistently observed in total energy and fat contents (g/100 g); for example, extreme variation in McDonald's Chicken McNuggets with 12 g total fat/100 g in Germany compared with 21·1 g/100 g in New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS: These cross-country variations highlight the possibility for further product reformulation in many countries to reduce nutrients of concern and improve the nutritional profiles of fast-food products around the world. Standardisation of serving sizes towards the lower end of the range would also help to reduce the risk of overconsumption.

Original publication

DOI

10.1017/S1368980015000336

Type

Journal article

Journal

Public Health Nutr

Publication Date

11/2015

Volume

18

Pages

2962 - 2969

Keywords

Energy, Fast foods, Fat, Global food monitoring, Saturated fat, Serving size, Asia, Australasia, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Dietary Fats, Energy Intake, Fast Foods, Fatty Acids, Feeding Behavior, Food Supply, Global Health, Humans, Middle East, North America, Restaurants, Serving Size