Schools and hospitals make snack decision
As far as the Snack Food Council of Ireland is aware, there are no vending machines in Irish primary schools. The council estimates that out of the 200 or so vending machines in second and third-level colleges nationwide, approximately one-quarter, or 50, stock savoury snack food products.
Our member companies — including Tayto Hunky Dorys Ltd, Walkers Snack Foods Ltd, Robt Roberts Ltd (KP) and Procter & Gamble (Pringles) — do not sell products directly to the companies operating vending machines in schools.
Currently, in hospitals and schools, the decision whether or not to have a vending machine is made by that body’s management — as is the decision on what products will be stocked.
A breakdown of the results of the Irish Universities’ Nutrition Alliance National Children’s Food Survey (2005) shows that Irish children, on average, get 5% of their daily energy intake, 7% of their daily fat intake, 6% of their saturated fat intake and 5% of daily salt intake from savoury snacks.
The most commonly consumed pack size of potato crisps in Ireland is 25g which, on average, provides approximately 125 to 150 calories, similar to a yoghurt. That’s equivalent to between 7% and 9% of the average daily needs of children aged five to 10.
As responsible food manufacturers, the Snack Food Council believes all foods, when eaten in the correct amounts, can play a part in a balanced diet, including savoury snack products such as crisps, nuts and popcorn.
The Snack Food Council is affiliated to the Snack Food Association, which is a part of Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) in IBEC.
Dan O’Boyle
Snack Food Council of Ireland
Information Office
Ely Place
Dublin 2
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