Parents mostly to blame for obesity, say Caterer readers

Few food service professionals feel they're to blame for the nation's rising obesity problem, but most are nevertheless acting to combat it, according to exclusive research carried out by Caterer magazine this month.

Its survey of nearly a thousand readers spanning all sectors of the catering industry revealed that only 7% believe their own sector of the industry should take the blame for rising obesity levels.

Parents emerged as the worst culprits, with three out of four respondents laying blame with them. A quarter of respondents singled out the Government for blame, while 41% said food and drinks suppliers must carry some responsibility.

Commenting on our findings, chef-proprietor Gordon Ramsay said: "I don't think chefs are to blame for obesity in this country. There's nothing wrong with indulgence providing you can control it - and you do sufficient work to burn it off."

Although the majority don't believe they're causing obesity, most respondents said they were actively trying to counter it. Of those involved in menu development, 83% said they were aware of fat content as they created new dishes; and four out of five agreed that all food outlets should offer low-fat menu options.

Antony Worrall Thompson warned that industry action was essential to prevent the "health police" passing legislation forcing operators to put nutritional information on menus.

"Education is the key, but restaurants shouldn't have to play the role of teacher," he said.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 25 - 31 March 2004