The Heart Foundation is urging the Queensland Government to apply the kilojoule menu labelling legislation already in place in New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT.

The legislation applies to fast food chains and coffee, bakery and snack food chains with more than 20 outlets in the state or over 50 stores across the country.

A recent audit of fast food and snack food chains in the state revealed only one third, or 32 percent clearly displayed the kilojoule content of their menu items. 

Menu boards that include the kilojoule content of food have proven to be effective in other states and territories, which highlights the legislation could similarly encourage Queenslanders to make healthier choices.

“We know that when kilojoule menu labelling was introduced in New South Wales the kilojoule content of the foods being ordered dropped by around 15 percent (or 500 kJ) – enough to help prevent weight gain,” said Rachelle Foreman, health director at the Heart Foundation.

“It also encouraged parents to make healthier choices when selecting food and drinks for their children.”

Recent data from the Heart Foundation highlights the need for such legislation – its research revealed Queensland has four of the five most obese regions in the country.

“Queenslanders are eating out more often but most wouldn’t know that a basic combo meal at a fast food outlet contains more than half of a person’s daily kilojoule requirements,” said Foreman. 

“It is time to get nutrition information on menus and run a consumer education campaign if we’re serious about helping people make healthier choices.”

The Heart Foundation encourages Queenslanders to get involved in the discussion by completing a survey that deals with the issue by 21 November 2014.

Image: mcdonalds.co.uk