Chain restaurants have been under scrutiny for their high sugar and salt content, with the UK government setting targets for 2020, 2024, and 2025. A study from the University of Oxford found that only 43% of menu items across 21 top-earning chains met the government's voluntary reduction targets. This raises questions about the effectiveness of voluntary measures and the need for mandatory regulations.
The study, led by doctoral researcher Alice O'Hagan, analyzed 3,099 menu items from the highest-grossing chain restaurants in Britain. The findings revealed a stark disparity in adherence to the targets, with sugar performing the worst at 36%. Several chains, including Burger King, KFC, Nando's, and Vintage Inns, had no eligible items meeting the sugar target. Papa John's was the lowest adherer overall, with only 8% of its items meeting the salt target and 35% meeting the calorie target.
The study also found that pizza chains lagged behind, with only 32% of their menu items meeting all applicable targets. Salads, on the other hand, led the pack with 96% adherence, though they were only eligible for the calorie target. These findings suggest that cuisine type is not the primary constraint, but rather recipe choices and portion sizes.
The Oxford team noted that voluntary targets are not working, and a 2024 review confirmed that mandatory rules consistently outperform voluntary ones in reducing salt, sugar, and calories. The study calls for mandatory reporting of healthy sales from large food companies, with a path toward mandatory targets to follow.
The NHS 10 Year Health Plan has already proposed this approach, and the UK's own salt program, launched in 2004, brought average sodium levels down roughly 2% annually through 2011. These results are consistent with clear, monitored targets applied consistently across the food industry.
In conclusion, the data sends a clear message: healthier chain menus are possible, but they are not yet standard. The study highlights the need for mandatory regulations to drive consistent improvements in the salt, sugar, and calorie content of food items on offer in UK restaurants.
