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Watchdog criticises fat and salt content in hospital food

Watchdog criticises fat and salt content in hospital food

Hospital canteen food breaches Food Standards Agency guidelines on salt and fat content, according to a new survey by consumer watchdog Which?

A team of dieticians sent to 21 UK hospital canteens and found that 86 per cent of main meals contained too much salt and 67 per cent too much saturated fat.

Only five canteens included vegetables or salad with meals, while a majority charged up to 90p extra for vegetables on top of a meal costing up to £5. Just four canteens had a 'healthy option' on the menu.

Two hospitals that provided food within FSA guidelines were East Surrey and University College London.

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Reader Response

Added: Thursday, 23 October 2008 19:06 BST
Gemma Watford, Pershore, United Kingdom

23/10/08

I think that all hospitals NHS or otherwise should stop charging extra for vegetable portions at 90p a go it is ridiculous. I thought healthy eating was supposed to be affordable, given that we are in the midst of a credit crunch and people are watching what they spend. If hospital caterers were forced to source fruit and vegetables from local sources i.e. farmers markets or local catering suppliers, then we would all be better off in terms of our pockets and environmentally!

The above would also help people achieve their 5 a day target , as the UK is also heading for an obesity epidemic.

Thanks

Gemma Watford
Nursing Times Reader email family.watford@virgin.net


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