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Consumers do not blame the food industry for rising obesity levels that will cost $6.3 billion in associated health costs by 2010, according to a Leatherhead International study of attitudes on diet, health and obesity in the UK.
“Despite the food industry being criticised for producing foods that are high in fat and sugar, and the government encouraging the industry to make their products healthier, food suppliers did not come in for too much criticism from our focus groups,” the report said. “It is felt people like to eat tasty food, and manufacturers are only responding to demand.”
Despite the ‘5 a day’ fruits and vegetables programme, only seven per cent of respondents know the current recommended breakdown of fat, protein and carbohydrates in a balanced diet. Only 18 per cent know the recommended salt level, and 15 per cent feel food ads aimed at children should be banned.
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