Junk food makes up one fifth of children’s intake

YOUNGSTERS are still getting a diet high in junk food and low in nutrients despite moves by snack manufacturers to make their products healthier, nutrition experts said last night.

Food firms say they have significantly reduced the amount of salt and fat in savoury snacks like crisps and peanuts, while restricting advertising to children.

But the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI) says children are still eating too many savoury snacks and other junk foods like sweets and fizzy drinks.