€480m spent on fast food each year

The latest market analysis has revealed that €480m is spent on junk food in Ireland each year.

The data, compiled by research analysts Mintel, showed that ethnic food is the favourite take-away food here, with Chinese take-outs coming out on top.

The take-aways surveyed ranged from chippers to sandwich bars, while some of the bigger names like McDonalds, Burger King and Eddie Rockets were not included because they are classified as restaurants.

There are up to two thousand take-outs spread throughout the country with a further one thousand concentrated in Dublin and its commuter belt.

But nutritionists warn that fast food should not be eaten more than twice a month because it is directly linked to soaring obesity rates.