Junk food trend on the rise—study

Press, 8 March 1989, Page 4

Junk food trend on the rise—study

PA Wellington New Zealand’s nutrition standards are being undermined, specialists say, as statistics confirm people are buying less meat, fruit and vegetables and more convenience foods. The Statistics Department’s first revision for five years of the food price index, part of the consumers’ price index, shows red meat has dropped from almost 20 per cent of household food spending in 1983 to less than 15 per cent. Relative spending on fruit and vegetables, dairy products, eggs and fish has also fallen. Instead, people are buying more takeaway foods, sweets, crisps, nuts, soft and fruit drinks, frozen confectionery and milkshakes. The revised food index, issued this week, was based on average spending data from a household survey conducted by the department during the 12 months to March last year. A Health Department dietitian, Ms Isabel MacNeill, said efforts to make people more aware of what they eat might have backfired by convincing them to switch from traditional foods, such as red meat, to convenience foods. People had been given the impression that meat and dairy foods were bad for their health. They were quite well-informed about the contents of these foods, but they were not aware of the contents of foods such as chips and biscuits. “They think that a takeaway piece of quiche with chips and salad is better than a home-cooked meal of meat and vegetables, but the home-cooked meal would be much more nutritious if it is cooked properly.” A Heart Foundation dietitian, Ms Cheree Mellow, linked the shift to convenience food with lifestyle changes and said it was influenced by factors such as television advertising and more women entering the workforce.