Feds won't step in despite call for ban on Carl's Jr burger outlets amid obesity concerns

HEALTH experts have expressed concerns about a US burger chain famous for its enormous portions opening stores in Australia.

THE Federal Government says it will not try and stop an American burger chain from opening stores in Australia despite growing concerns of obesity.

Health experts raised concerns about Carl's Jr's plans to open 300-plus stores across the country, including in Melbourne, in the next 10-15 years.

Some have called for a ban on the outlet, which is famous for its enormous, calorie-laden portions, while others say mandatory reporting of kilojoules and controls on advertising must be enforced.

Many of the outlet's popular burgers are packed with more than 1000 calories - equivalent to two Big Macs - and that is before adding extras like chips and soft drink.

The Health Department said in a statement: "While the Australian Government is concerned about the rising rates of obesity in Australia, the ability for the US Burger chain to open outlets in Australia will have to be considered by jurisdictions under their urban planning laws and procedures, as they oversee and regulate planning and land use activities."

It said the burger chain would be subject to the menu board labelling requirements that are outlined in state legislation in many Australian jurisdictions.

New South Wales and South Australia have adopted laws requiring fast-food chains to show kilojoules counts. Tasmania is also considering similar legislation.

Heart Foundation (Victoria) director of cardiovascular programs Kellie-Ann Jolly said it was time Victoria followed its interstate counterparts.

“Victorian men and women don’t need the experts to tell them what they can see with their own eyes. It’s very clear that this type of food is an unhealthy option," she said.

“If mandatory kilojoules labelling was introduced in fast food restaurants in Victoria, as it has been in NSW - and will be in South Australia this weekend - Victorians would know exactly how unhealthy these food choices are.

“Introducing kilojoules labelling allows people to make an informed decision about the food they buy and allows them to make healthier choices.

“The saturated fat found in fast foods like this is the type which clogs arteries and can lead to heart disease and a heart attack."

The Health Department said it was working with industry to reformulate processed foods with the aim to reduce salt, added sugar and saturated fat.

The Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA) is also developing a monitoring framework that will enable consistent and robust measurement of children's exposure to unhealthy food advertising, it said.

A mega burger from Carl's Jr's featuring a whopping 12 beef patties, 12 bacon strips and 12 cheese slices was made by the kitchen team in December to mark the 12/12/12 and gives a taste of what the brand can offer - but it does not feature on the regular menu.

Nutrition Plus dietician Melanie McGrice said she would not recommend anything from the charbroiled burger brand's "unhealthy'' menu.

"We already have enough of these sorts of places - it would be really disappointing to bring in another,'' she said.

"Their six dollar burger has 66g of fat, which is more than what one Australian needs in a day.

"Anyone who consumed this type of food on a regular basis is asking for a heart attack.''

Obesity Policy Coalition executive manager Jane Martin said another fast-food chain would just add to Australia's growing obesity problem with more than 62 per cent of Aussies overweight or obese.

She said more and more communities are campaigning against global fast-food outlets opening in their area and arguing the government must step in to regulate locations, hours and advertising.

But despite warnings, burger enthusiasts are all for the chain making its way to our shores.

Andrew Gasson, from Melbourne, described the burgers as "heaven in a bun'' on Facebook page, We Want Carl's Jr in Australia.

"We need it here to smash Maccas outta the game. They are bloody good,'' he said.

Carl's Jr already has stores in New Zealand.