Investigating selections in children’s menu of local catering establishments : variety, perspectives, and the way forward

Abstract

This study investigates the variety of food options offered to children in food establishments around the Maltese Islands. Moreover, the research analyses the perspectives of food establishment personnel regarding which factors influence them in planning the children’s menu. A total of fifty catering establishments from five categories including cafeterias, confectioneries within a 200m perimeter of a school, party-caterers, restaurants, and take-aways from Gozo and the North, Centre, South and South-East of Malta, participated in a survey which was followed by an in-depth interview with nine of these participants. Comparisons were drawn with a similar local study carried out in 2005 to evaluate variation within a period of ten years in children’s menus. It was concluded that food options offered to children are still high in fat, salt, and/or sugar resulting in children having unhealthy food. Moreover, participants admitted to being highly influenced by customers’ popular demands. Consequently, the unhealthy food variety is contributing to the high obesity rates amongst children, as demonstrated in the literature review. Finally, a community of practice approach is presented to help children make informed decisions when eating out. A variety of healthy food items, as well as schemes, are also being suggested to be taken up by establishments.