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Kid’s fast-food meals ‘threaten their health’
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MOST fast-food set meals tailored for children pose a threat to their health, say officials.
The majority of meals recently tested by the city's consumer rights watchdog were found to contain higher levels of saturated fatty acid and sugar than recommended, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
The Shanghai Consumer Rights Protection Commission randomly purchased 30 set children's meals at 19 restaurants for testing. It found that all those served by KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, IKEA and Pizza Hut contained excessive amounts of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and sugar.
Meals served by KFC, Burger King and Ajisen Ramen had the highest amount of saturated fatty acid among those tested, the commission found.
The recommended percentage of daily saturated fatty acid intake is less than 8 percent of energy for people aged between 4 and 17 years old, or less than 17 grams, according to Chinese DRIs (Dietary Reference Intakes) compiled by the Chinese Nutrition Society.
A 35-yuan (US$5.64) KFC children's meal comprising a chicken burger, fries and drink had 33.8 percent saturated fatty acid, more than four times what is recommended, according to the commission.
A 19-yuan McDonald's children's meal contained 17.7 percent SFA and a meal from IKEA meal and two Pizza Hut meals also contained excessive amounts.
The meals at Spicy Temptation, a Sichuan restaurant, Burger King and Life de Pleasure, a western restaurant, were found to contain the highest amount of sugar.
The recommended percentage of daily sugar intake is less than 10 percent of energy for children, and only five meals met the standard.
A 28-yuan meal of corn juice, fruit and vegetable porridge offered by Spicy Temptation had 54.4 percent of the recommended daily allowance of sugar, while an IKEA meal comprising a drink, chips and pasta contained 23.9 percent.
“Unhealthy dietary habits are a major factor contributing to obesity and hyperlipemia in children,” said Guo Hongwei, secretary general of Chinese Nutrition Society and professor at the School of Public Health at Fudan University.
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