One of your McFive a day

13 July 2012

McDonald's are selling a drink containing as much sugar as nine chocolate chip cookies and an apple as one of your ‘5 a day' fruit and vegetable portions.

 

An investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches - airing on Monday night - reveals how the ‘5 a day' healthy eating campaign is being hijacked by the food industry.   The programme also uncovers how government has failed to curb them using their own labelling to sell confused consumers foods with added sugar, salt and fat under the banner of ‘5 a day'.

As part of the investigation, Channel 4 Dispatches put a range of these products to the test including the McDonalds Fruitizz. 

Fruitizz is promoted as a drink ‘full of fruity bubbles' made from grape, apple and raspberry juice and sparkling water with ‘no added sugar, artificial colours or flavours and its one of your five-a-day.'

A small size Fruitizz is available as part of the Happy Meal - McDonald's meal deal aimed at children - containing 25g of sugar, which is similar to the sugar content of two chocolate chip cookies and an apple. 

However, anyone ordering a large Fruitizz may consume up to 49g of sugar, which is similar to the sugar content of nine chocolate chip cookies and an apple. 

Department of health makes it clear that its ‘5 a day' label should not be used to market foods to children. As this is only guidance, manufacturers can however, put their own labels on products aimed at children so long as they contain the equivalent of 50 grams of fruit or veg.

McDonalds say: "we followed the 5-a-day guidance provided by the department of health" and "Fruitizz is not marketed in larger sizes".

 

Notes to Editor

Myths about Your 5 a Day - Channel 4 Dispatches on Monday 16th July at 8pm

Large Fruitizz (500ml) contains 49g of sugar which is similar to the sugar content of nine chocolate chip cookies and an apple

Medium Fruitizz (400ml) - contains 39g sugar which is similar to the sugar content of six chocolate chip cookies and an apple

Small Fruitizz (250ml) - contains 25g of sugar which is similar to the sugar content of two chocolate chip cookies and an apple

 

*Based on 6.9g of sugar per two chocolate chip cookies and 17g of sugar in an apple

*The biscuits also contain additional fat and salt not contained in the drink. 

 

Download the free Channel 4 Dispatches for iOS or Android devices. The Dispatches App has been designed to provide additional content and live interaction to enhance your experience of watching Channel 4 Dispatches: