Hit on Health: a healthy food initiative in takeaway/fast-food outlets

• Project start date: 1 November 2003
• Project status: Completed
• Project type: Nutrition
• Discipline: Food marketing
• Author/s: Dr Elmary Purtill, HSE-Midlands
• Collaborator/s: Single supplier

Research objective

Food sold in fast-food outlets tends to be energy-dense and often low in other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. This is of concern as studies have shown that a high fat, energy-dense diet and sedentary lifestyle are strongly associated with the increased risk of obesity.

Building on the "Happy Heart" catering award, which was active within two health boards in the Republic of Ireland, this project endeavoured to educate and promote healthy food and healthy eating within the fast food industry. It provided an opportunity for consumers to make healthy choices, and also provided education and positive publicity for the retailer.

Research report

Other outputs

Unpublished report available on request from Safefood.