‘There should be better information on labels’

Claire O’Sullivan is told children, dieters and vegetarians should watch what they eat.

EXCESSIVE amounts of fat and salt and the widespread usage of water to bulk up foods were some of the most startling findings of an examination of everyday processed foodstuffs.

According to Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) Nutritionist Aveen Bannon, who examined ingredients labels and nutritional information, up to four different types of fat are being used in some of the foods aimed at children.

According to Ms Bannon, snackfood is hugely popular amongst young children who are often under pressure to have the latest “trendy item” in the playground and many of these foods are high in fat and salt.

One of the foods she examined, ‘Dairylea Dunkers’ contained more butter and milk than cheese.

“The butter could be used to give more taste or as an economic saving. This product could be called ‘Butter Dunkers’ instead. But, it is worth noting that despite the high butter content, the fat content is being labelled as quite low,” she said.

It was worth noting amongst the different food stuffs that the extent of ingredients listed varied hugely as is allowed under current labelling laws. It was also very clear that processing meats had a very negative impact on the fat and salt content.

A close examination of Denny sausages also revealed that the popular foodstuff has a very high water and salt content with just half of a sausage made up of meat.

“Water is a huge aspect of these sausages. They are also very high in fat at 23 grams without even being fried. Remember when you fry them, they will soak up the fat. If you’re eating these, I’d recommend piercing them with a fork to lose some of the fat and water and then grilling them,” Ms. Bannon said.

Water content was also remarkably high in the ‘Marks & Spencer Count on Us Prawn Balti’ which is aimed at those on a diet.

“You would really have to question this and some of the other diet foods as they have so much water that somebody is very likely to be very hungry again soon afterwards. If you are trying to lose weight, you are bettinger off eating a more filling food, which could be high in carbohydrate, but low in fat. Dieters really need to look at the labels as this box shows,” she said.

Ms Bannon also warned vegetarians that foods targeted at vegetarians are not necessarily the most healthy option for them as they often have low protein counts.

“Vegetarianism can be very healthy but it vegetarians can’t just give up meat and eat vegetables instead. They need to be very wary of their iron count and protein intake especially teenage girls who are growing and have to watch their calcium and iron levels. They need to find substitute foods and constantly be aware of their nutrition intake,” she said.

Ms Bannon said adults should start to take a quick look at labels as they do their shopping as a low-fat, low-salt diet will stave off obesity, cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure in the future.

Director of the Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII), Rosemary Garth, said that the varying foodstuffs available on the market are all responding to consumer wishes.

“We too feel strongly that there should be clearer and better information on labels and we have sought that. We are also working with the Food Safety Authority to collectively reduce salt levels in food over time. Working together is the preferred option. Regulation may have a role in areas like labelling and marketing but we believe that regulation needs to be based on scientific evidence as it can also become a trade barrier in international trade as our competitors won’t have the same restrictions,” she said.