An obesity organisation has called for new laws to control portions
Research campaign group Obesity Action Scotland has revealed that the size of a portion of chips has gotten 80% bigger since 2002.
The group visited 30 takeaways in Glasgow during May, and found the average portion weighed 380g.
According to the Food Standards Agency’s portion booklet from the time, in 2002 the average serving was just 210g – and increase of 17g, which is more than a 80% increase.
The research found that more than 92% of the servings were larger the 2002 average. The largest portion was a whopping 755g.
Chips – Scotland’s favourite food purchase out of home. But are all things equal? Find out more at https://t.co/NFi5rDYRjP #gamechanger #bananaforscale pic.twitter.com/KrS3HIM5SW
— Obesity Action Scotland (@obesityactionsc) August 9, 2018
Obesity Action Scotland have now called for new laws to control the size of portions, and limit the amount of calories.
Lorraine Tulloch, from OAS, said: “What is served as a portion of chips has grown significantly since 2002. Today’s average bag of chips contains around half of the daily recommended calorie intake for a woman.”
“We are urging action to improve the out-of-home food environment to ensure people have access to smaller portions and are aware of the calorie content of the items they are purchasing.”
