Amsterdam  - Fast food chains should display the amount of calories per dish, the Dutch consumer association Consumentenbond believes.

"Fast food companies should display the number of calories per course along with the price list right above the counter," spokesman Diek Schipper told the German Press Agency dpa.

Schipper said a survey of 800 recipients of the association's newsletter had shown a vast majority want to know how many calories a hamburger, a salad or a soft drink contains before they decide what to buy.

No research has been done about the possible effect displaying the number of calories per dish would have on people's food intake, Schipper said, "but we still think it would improve the overall consciousness of the Dutch consumer concerning his health."

The Hague-based Consumentenbond also wants Dutch supermarkets to introduce a uniform label to appear on each food product indicating whether it is healthy or not.

"There are too many different labels printed on food products today," Schipper said, adding this was confusing for consumers.

Consumentenbond hopes to negotiate with supermarket and fast food branches about the implementation of its recommendations.

"So far, supermarkets are not enthusiastic about our proposal," Schipper said, "but if they will not listen to us, we will ask parliament in September to adjust its food legislation accordingly."

In September, the Dutch parliament is due to debate new measures to deal with the problem of obesity. Around half of the population of the Netherlands are overweight. (dpa)