Single men are more likely to eat food from chip shops and fast-food outlets than any other sector of the population, according to survey carried out by the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health.
The survey findings were announced at the start of National Healthy Eating Week yesterday. This promotes the consumption of low-fat foods, cereals, fruit and vegetables, to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, said community dietitians would be appointed in the health boards to assist in promoting healthy eating among the lower socio-economic groups through local community organisations.
The survey found that 8 per cent of people eat food from a chip shop once every three days, but this rises to 17 per cent among single males. Twelve per cent of the total population eat from American-style fast food outlets once a week, but 20 per cent of single males and 18 per cent of single females do so.
It also found that 10 per cent of people eat crisps every day, 32 per cent eat biscuits and 14 per cent eat chocolate - all high-fat foods. Ninety per cent of respondents said that they thought food companies should be obliged to identify the fat content of their food products. The same number believed we should eat more fruit and vegetables.
Activities which will promote healthy eating will include a Happy Heart Eat Out programme in restaurants next month and low-fat promotions in food shops.