Children's meals at restaurants in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, have poor nutritional quality

Malin Garemo, Zayed University
Afnan Al Naimi, Zayed University

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Abstract

© 2018 IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved. BACKGROUND: Many people in the UAE eat out frequently, but there is limited knowledge about the nutritional quality of the consumed meals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of children's meals in Abu Dhabi restaurants, considering deep-frying and food group content. METHODS: In this cross-sectional pilot study, popular food outlets were identified using an online customer rating application. Children menus were collected and the meal quality was assessed. A healthy meal should not be deep-fried and contain at least 2 of the following food groups: Low-fat dairy/lean protein/whole grain/fruits/vegetables (criteria adapted from the "Kids Live Well Nutritional Criteria" by the National Restaurant Association, US). RESULTS: 58 restaurants were included, of which 29 had children menus, offering a total of 209 meals. 60% of the meals had beverages included in the price: 13% being water or milk. Overall, 78.9% of the assessed meals did not meet the cut-offs for healthy meals. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, a majority of children's meals in Abu Dhabi's food outlets had poor nutritional quality. The findings suggest a need for more extensive studies around meal offerings at restaurants.

ISSN

1973-798X

Publisher

IOS Press

Volume

11

Issue

2

First Page

85

Last Page

92

Disciplines

Life Sciences

Keywords

Children's meals, eating out, food groups, nutritional quality, United Arab Emirates

Scopus ID

85049534411

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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