Public oppose idea of menu health warnings

by Max Gosney

Customers have given the red light to Government plans to introduce a traffic light based system promoting healthy options on pub menus.

Research from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found people regarded eating out as an indulgence and rejected the idea of health warnings appearing on pub and restaurant menus.

Respondents backed the use of a food signposting scheme in supermarkets but said a system indicating red lights for unhealthy foods and green lights for healthy foods would spoil the enjoyment of eating out.

The FSA research follows the launch of the Government's Public Health White Paper last month, which argued that clearer nutritional signposting could protect Britons from obesity.

Chefs say it's not surprising customers have given health warnings the thumbs down.

Paul Hackett chef/proprietor at the Yew Tree Inn at Clifford's Mesne, near Newent in Gloucestershire said: "When you are going out for a meal, diners want to take pleasure in good food. Most customers realise that the food may be high in calories but they want to forget their diets for the evening and order what they want."

Boosting menu traceability offers a more effective way of improving nutritional standards at eateries according to Anthony Williams, head chef at the Williams Arms in Braunton, Devon.

"I think it's potentially unhealthy that people are eating foods where the source of ingredients is unknown," he said. "Caterers should be encouraged to be more open on their menus and offer customers greater information on where produce is from."

The FSA is currently consulting with the food industry, public health groups and consumer organisations to develop a food signposting system, which will be finalised by summer 2005.

Director of consumer choice and dietary health at the FSA, Gill Fine said: "People have told us they want to make healthier choices and they would welcome signposting to help them. We will test out the option in shops."