Think tank: State must
weigh in against fats
We need tighter controls on marketing of unhealthy food as growing numbers of adults and children are becoming overweight or obese
The diet of Irish children is high in total fat, saturated fat and sugar
reland is known for its fresh and wholesome produce, and yet Irish people are consuming excessive amounts of highly processed foods, many of which sit on the top shelf of the food pyramid. These foods are high in fat, sugar or salt and include confectionery, cakes, biscuits, sugary drinks, salty savoury snacks, and fast food. All of these are high in calories and poor in nutrients.
The average fat intake in Irish adults, at 37% of energy, is higher than the recommended level of less than 35%. Average saturated-fat intakes are also higher, at 13%, compared with the 10% recommended. This is of particular concern for heart health given that saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high cholesterol levels.
Irish adults consume an average of 7.4g of salt each day — about twice as much as their bodies need — and most of this comes from processed foods.