School caterers have welcomed a poll showing that most people believe parents have the biggest responsibility for improving children's diets.
A survey of 2,000 adults commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) found 88% thought parents had the most responsibility and 43% thought that schools were next in line. Food manufacturers were placed third (30%) and broadcasters fourth (26%).
School caterers have objected to being singled out as the cause of rising child obesity. A spokeswoman for the Local Authority Caterers Association said that school meals represent only 10% of a child's weekly diet. But she added: "It's up to all parties to work together. School caterers need to work with parents and share information about children's diets."
The poll found that most people thought parents needed help from schools, food manufacturers and the Government in order to improve children's diets. Most (85%) thought there should be greater controls over the way fast foods were promoted to children.
Some manufacturers are responding to concerns over children's diets. This week Coca-Cola announced it was removing advertising from the front of all of its vending machines in secondary schools and also stocking a higher proportion of bottled water and fruit-based drinks.
Sir John Krebs, chairman of the FSA, commented: "The British public recognise the role that parents must play in improving the diets and health of their children. But it is also clear from our poll that they can't do it on their own - they need support from schools, industry, broadcasters and Government if they are to make a difference."