The Availability of Fast Food Outlets and Grocery Retailers in Northern Ireland and Their Distance to Secondary Schools

The aim of this study was to investigate the availability of fast food outlets and grocery retailers in Northern Ireland (NI) and their distance to secondary schools. The study also investigated if there are any trends in the availability of fast food outlets and grocery retailers with local deprivation. An infographic summary report of the research can be found here (https://science.food.gov.uk/article/138457-the-availability-of-fast-food-outlets-and-grocery-retailers-in-northern-ireland-and-their-distance-to-secondary-schools/attachment/288338.pdf?auth_token=Q-DiO3i7LQ3UjQbz6KhX). The study found that there are on average 2.4 times more fast food outlets than grocery retailers in Northern Ireland. Additionally, in some areas of Northern Ireland, there are a high number of fast food outlets within 400 metres (m) of secondary schools, and less availability of grocery retailers in comparison which may offer healthier alternatives. For example, almost one in five (17%) secondary schools in NI have 5 or more fast food outlets within 400m and the highest number of fast food outlets within 400m of a secondary school was 21. However, 50% of secondary schools have no fast food outlets within 400m. This study found a weak correlation between deprivation and the number of fast food outlets, however a similar weak correlation was found between deprivation and the number of grocery retailers. When assessing the most and least deprived 25th percentiles, it was found that there are more fast food outlets in the most deprived areas compared to the least. However, it was also observed that there are typically more grocery retailers in the most deprived areas compared to the least. There are many other factors that may be at play alongside the food environment, and it should be noted that this study has not assessed any specific links between availability of food choices and health outcomes such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and obesity. It should not be assumed that the availability of food choices alone is the predominant causative factor on health outcomes. The FSA’s Making Food Better programme supports Northern Ireland food businesses to make the food environment healthier. Nothing the high levels of fast food outlets in Northern Ireland, this study will inform the FSA’s work with the food industry to increase the provision of healthier options in the out of home sector.