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Introduction
Until the 1970s, food consumption patterns in Australia were based on the food habits of the predominantly Anglo/Celtic and to a lesser extent Greco/Italian immigrants. Dining-out in restaurants, cafes and hotels was an unusual experience and usually restricted to vacations, business travel, special occasions or celebrations. There was a relatively low level of consumption of fast foods, such as fish and chips or Asian food in metropolitan/urban areas ([10] Cahn, 1977, pp. 57-60).
Since, the 1970s, food consumption patterns have changed dramatically. By the end of the twentieth century, about a third of Australians' expenditure on food, was on fast food ([23] Lyons, 1999). The Australian fast-food takeaway food market is valued at more than GBP 2.7 billion. This is comprised of 1.4 billion fast-food meals serviced at some 17,000 outlets, 3,000 of which are part of fast-food chains ([7] BIS Schrapnel, 2000). The fast-food market has experienced an average annual growth rate of 6.5 per cent, representing the most rapidly growing sector of the food retailing market ([23] Lyons, 1999). Fast food employs more than 166,000 people in Australia; equivalent to employment in communication services ([1] ABS, 2000, p. 40).
Fast-food outlets can be distinguished from other kinds of food-service establishments. The former offer a limited menu, standardised offerings and little service. Rather than being served at a table, customers choose from a short list of offerings and order at the counter or window. The food is served quickly and can be taken away or eaten on the premises. Customers are expected to finish quickly and usually clear up after themselves. Fast food is associated with international brand names, for example: McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) ([20] Leidner, 2002, pp. 11, 12). However, there is also a burgeoning Australian-owned fast-food sector, which competes with these large international brands on quality, location and price.
Fast food is an important area of employment - particularly for young people. McDonald's, the largest restaurant chain, has more than 30,000 restaurants around the world. A large proportion of its employees are young people. There is an international debate about the quality of jobs in fast food. For example, we can infer from [39] Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (2003) that most fast-food workers are employed in "McJobs". Despite...