Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott has urged Londoners to be more careful about what they eat after new research showed most are unaware of the “hidden nasties” lurking in their favourite dishes.
Three-quarters of the 2,006 adults who took part in healthy living campaign Change4Life’s food IQ quiz last month scored 50% or less.
Eighty-four per cent did not know a pre-packed ham and cheese sandwich contains more salt than a chicken tikka masala or a packet of ready salted crisps, while almost two thirds did not realise a small pepperoni pizza has more saturated fat than a portion of fish and chips.
Sixty per cent were unaware a fat free strawberry yoghurt has more sugar in it than a bowl of cornflakes and 65% did not know the recommended daily maximum amount of salt is just one teaspoon.
The study also showed that despite 87% reporting they would like to be healthier, almost 50% chose items that were easiest to prepare when shopping.
Six in ten said they prioritised price when at the supermarket and 47% admitted opting for things the whole family will eat.
Harriott, who is a campaign ambassador, said: “It’s really important to be aware of what hidden nasties may be in your food, and to know what you’re putting in your or your family’s bodies.
“Some of our favourite meals, takeaways and snacks contain high amounts of salt, sugar and saturated fat – it’s our job to make sure we know where they are hiding.
“But it is possible to eat well on a budget, and you don’t have to give up your family favourites or treats just to be food smart.
“There are simple changes you can make which will help - try to prepare food at home, cut down on saturated fat, swap high sugar options for lower ones, watch out for hidden salt in foods and check the label on the food you buy.”
The food IQ quiz is available at www.facebook.com/change4life
