Stuff 'n' nonsense

Most of us are familiar with the expression, 'Your eyes are bigger than your belly'. But while many realise the perils of eating too much, our survey reveals a disturbing amount of complacency surrounding the issue, especially in a supposedly health-conscious era.

"Nearly two thirds of adults who know which food portion sizes they should eat do not actually stick to them," says Andrew Childs, senior researcher at Harris Interactive. Across the regions, consumers in the north east said they were most guilty of lack of self control, with more than half giving this response. In terms of age ranges, the 45-54-year-olds were the main culprits, with almost half confessing to knowingly overeating.

Worryingly, despite ongoing coverage of the subject by the consumer press, a third of shoppers said they did not know the correct size of the food portions they should be eating. And 15% said they didn't care.

Encouragingly, food processors topped the list of players that consumers expected to provide the most useful information on portion sizes. "Food manufacturers are expected to be the key provider of useful information about recommended food portion sizes," says Childs. "Fewer than one in five adults expect the government or the media to play a key role."

When asked who should take most responsibility for the size of food portions for chilled, frozen or canned ready meals sold in supermarkets, again manufacturers were most frequently mentioned. That said, says Childs: "Nearly one in four adults think consumers themselves should have the most responsibility for food portion sizes in supermarkets. Relatively few think supermarkets should have the most responsibility."

However, in a restaurant context, the restaurant owner themselves was held overwhelmingly responsible by more than half of the respondents for the size of portions served. Again, the consumer came next.

Intriguingly, two thirds of those quizzed believed that portion sizes recommended on food product labels were either the right size or too small. The response could either indicate a move in the right direction by manufacturers or, more negatively, reveal ignorance of what portion sizes should be.

Predictably, take-away and fast-food outlets topped the list of those blamed by a third or more of respondents for serving food in portions that were too large. Restaurants came next, with grocery retailers in last place, with 11% of the vote. FM

''This national poll was conducted online by Harris Interactive on July 16-21 among 2,026 adults aged over 16 years in Britain. For more information, contact Caterina Gerlotto, cgerlotto@harrisinteractive.com 0208 263 5382'

Thinking generally about the portion sizes of the food you eat, which of the following best applies to you?

I know the portions I should eat, but don't stick to them 42%

I know and stick to them 25%

I don't know, but I'm interested in finding out 18%

I don't know and have no interest in finding out 15%

Which of the following would you expect to provide the most useful information about recommended portion sizes?

Manufacturers 26%

Government 17%

Media 16%

Internet 14%

Retailers 13%

None of these 14%

Who should be most responsible for restaurant food portions?

Restaurant owner 54%

Consumer 23%

Government 5%

Manufacturer 5%

Other 1%

Not sure 12%

Who should be the most responsible for portion sizes (specifically chilled, frozen or canned) available in supermarkets?

Manufacturers 39%

Consumers 23%

Government 13%

Retailer 12%

Other 1%

Not sure 12%

Certain foods have a label on their packaging which provides information on the food's nutritional values on a per portion basis. Are the suggested portion sizes indicated on such food labels:

The right size? 39%

Too small? 26%

Too big? 11%

Not sure? 24%

In general, which of the following, if any, sell food in portions you would consider to be too large?

Take-aways 39%

Fast-food outlets 33%

Formal/informal restaurants 28%

Supermarkets 11%

Other 1%

None of these/not sure 40%