Spożycie żywności w rodzinach polskich w świetle wyników badań budżetów gospodarstw domowych i zaleceń żywieniowych

Outlays on food constitute the main item in the expenditures of Polish families. On average, they reach about 34 per cent of families total spending. Simultaneously, an analysis shows that the consumption of selected food products, in quantity terms, does not meet recommended levels. As time passes by, the situation is worsening. The largest gap between real and reference levels was observed in the case of vegetables and fruit consumption as well as milk consumption. Consumption of these products fulfils merely 40 per cent of recommended amounts. This situation to the much extend refers to families with children in lower age groups and families with· larger number of children. ·on the other hand, the exceeding the recommended levels was noted in the case of meat and fat consumption with the exception of butter consumption. Generally, this situation is more often observed among the elders. Concluding, the nutrition patterns widespread amongst the Polish families should be revised from the point of view of nutritional standards.