A Local Government Group study which analyzed two takeaways, found “shocking” levels of sugar, salt, fat and colourings, as well as potentially deadly nuts and bogus meat. A single portion of chicken tikka masala and pilau rice was found to have 116% of an average person’s GDA (guideline daily amount) of saturated fat and 92% of salt.

(UK – Takeaways. USA – Takeouts)

Chinese takeaway, sweet and sour chicken with fried rice had 16 teaspoons of sugar, or 75% GDA, and 119% GDA of salt.

This study examined food contents from 223 takeaways throughout England and Wales.

Scientists reported cases of colouring levels which had exceeded the legal limit, or inclusion of colourings that the FSA (Food Standards Agency) had previously asked caterers to voluntarily ban because of their detrimental effects of children.

If these meals were pre-packaged, they would be legally required to have health warnings, advising purchasers of their colouring content.

Nut allergy – in some of the test buys, the provider was informed that the customer had a nut allergy. In spite of this, 20% of the takeaways had almonds or peanuts. Some people with peanut allergies can have a potentially lethal reaction to even a tiny amount of nuts.

Two sweet and sour chicken meals were found to have turkey, and no chicken in them.

90 Indian takeaways studied, averages:

  • Total fat (g)
    Chicken tikka masala 53.3, Pilau Rice 6.74, total 60. GDA 70. GDA% 86
  • Saturates (g)
    Chicken tikka masala 19.4, Pilau Rice 3.8, total 23.2. GDA 20. GDA% 116
  • Salt (g)
    Chicken tikka masala 4.4, Pilau Rice 1.12, total 5.52. GDA 90. GDA% 40
  • Sugars (g)
    Chicken tikka masala 35.2, Pilau Rice 0.94, total 36.1. GDA 90. GDA% 40
  • Calorie per meal: 1,405. GDA: Men 2,500. Women 2,000. GDA% Men 56, Women 70

113 Chinese takeaways studied, averages:

  • Total fat (g)
    Sweet & sour chicken 30.8, Fried rice 14, total 44.8, GDA 70, GDA% 64
  • Saturates (g)
    Sweet & sour chicken 2.18, Fried rice 2.18, total 7.58, GDA 20, GDA% 38
  • Salt (g)
    Sweet & sour chicken 3.42, Fried rice 3.7, total 7.12, GDA 6, GDA% 119
  • Sugars (g)
    Sweet & sour chicken 66.7, Fried rice 1.01, total 67.7, GDA 90, GDA% 75
  • Calories per meal: 830. GDA: Men 2,500. Women 2,000. GDA% Men 33, Women 41%

Chairman of the LG Regulation Board, Cllr Paul Bettison, said:

“The family takeaway is like a tradition in homes across the country, be it celebrating the end of a working week or settling down for Saturday night television. Everyone knows they often aren’t especially healthy and should be enjoyed in moderation, but that just one meal can contain so much fat, salt and sugar is truly shocking and unnecessary.

There’s no excuse for illegal amounts of colouring and as for a secretly using a cheaper type of meat, that’s just shamefully ripping off customers. And including nuts when you’ve been told a person suffers from a nut allergy is unforgivable, it could potentially kill them.

There are many ways to make takeaways more healthy such as using lower fat oils, natural colourings and reducing salt. These needn’t compromise taste and promoting such a healthy approach often attracts customers who’re keen to watch their waistline or their blood pressure.

Both adult and child obesity is on the rise in Britain along with conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, as a society we all need to play a part in reversing this trend. Councils are on the side of consumers who want to be sure that their takeaways are at the very least safe to eat and a true reflection of what’s on the menu. Research like this helps people make informed decisions about the food they eat and will hopefully inspire takeaways to follow the lead taken in other parts of the food industry and make their product more healthy.”

Written by Christian Nordqvist