A major component of a child's eating environment is foods eaten out-of-home^{( 1 )}. This is of concern as these foods are often associated with higher energy and fat intakes⁽ Reference Lachat ^{2 )}, and lower micronutrient intakes⁽ Reference Orfanos ^{3 )}. Catering establishments have the potential to play a key role in influencing this eating behaviour by ensuring children have a healthier option available whilst eating out. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of establishments who are more/less likely to provide healthier food options for children.

A telephone survey was conducted among a representative sample of caterers across the IOI (n 180; NI (n 60), RoI (n 120); cafés (n 22), fast food (n 40), restaurants (n 81), pubs (n 37)). Information was collected on the characteristics of the eating establishment, its health-related cooking and menu practices, as well as perceptions of the managers/owners to their role and responsibilities in children's nutritional health. Of the 30 questions, responses to four questions were used to determine establishments more/less likely to provide healthier options for children, specifically ‘Are there fruit options on the children's menu?’ (yes, 48%), ‘Are there vegetable options on the children's menu?’ (yes, 67%), ‘In light of recent interest and concern in children's diets, have you made any changes to your menu in the last year?’ (yes, 32%) or ‘Are there any ‘healthier’ options on the menu for children?’ (yes, 64%). Using these questions cross-analyses (chi-squared analysis, Merlin software) were performed to investigate significant (P < 0.05) differences in survey responses.

Of the 180 caterers surveyed 173 (96%) reported having a separate children's menu (76%) or that children could order smaller portions from the main menu.

Table 1. Characteristics of establishments more and less likely to provide healthier options for children^a

These findings provide some useful insights into the characteristics of eating establishments more/less likely to provide healthy options for children. It is encouraging that establishments which do provide healthier options find they are both cost effective and that uptake is good. Findings also support current campaigns^{( 4 )} to provide main menu half-portions for children rather than having a separate children's menu. More research is needed however, on what impact the availability of healthier options has on children's food choices out of home.