title: Fast facts: The availability and accessibility of nutrition information in fast food chains.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Nutrition information at the point-of-sale assists consumers to make informed fast food choices. This study provides a baseline measure of the availability and accessibility of nutrition information in fast food outlets in Australia, filling a gap in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  An in-store observational survey was conducted in 222 outlets of five fast food chains in five states. The Australian websites for each chain were surveyed for nutrition information.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At least some nutrition information was available in 66% of outlets. The availability of information was higher in lower socioeconomic areas. Significantly less information was available in signatory chains of the self-regulatory marketing code. Information provided was generally incomplete; only one outlet (0.5%) provided information for all food and beverage items. In some instances information was old. Information was more available for 'healthier' products and less available for meal combinations. Information was provided on all chains' websites, however it was sometimes difficult to locate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While most outlets surveyed made some nutrition information available to consumers, it was generally incomplete. Fast food chains should provide comprehensive, up-to-date information for all menu items. Chains should also ensure their staff members are adequately trained in providing nutrition information.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Council, New South Wales. lyndalw@nswcc.org.au
authors.forename: Lyndal
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wellard
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Glasson
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D003625:Data Collection; D057140:Fast Foods; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D012147:Restaurants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors