Australians doubtful of healthy fast food

According to the Crosby/Textor poll of 800 people across Australia, only 24 per cent adults thought healthy food options were a genuine attempt by fast food outlets to improve the eating habits of customers.

In other words, most Australians are doubtful that fast food chains are genuinely attempting to promote healthy eating habits through their healthier menu choices.

The results show that people are increasingly looking for proof that fast food corporations have changed, said Mark Textor, joint managing director of Crosby/Textor in a statement.

It takes much more these days to convince them that after decades of business as usual, fast food makers really have moved on to reflect community concern about what we and our children are eating.

A total of 40 per cent of 18 to 34 year-olds admitted to consuming unhealthy takeaway foods within the past week, compared with only 24 per cent of the adult category as a whole, revealed the same poll.

The Crosby/Textor poll was carried out between March 27 to April 1.