PARENTS face a "nutritional nightmare" when choosing meals for their children on a day out, according to a report published today.

Research found numerous examples of children's menus at family-favourite destinations that offer little in the way of goodness.

Meals all too often consist of deep-fried food and fail to contain any fruit or vegetables, campaigners said.

The results come as parents prepare to take their children on day trips during the school summer holidays.

The Food Commission, the pressure group that published the results, has called on outlets to take greater responsibility for the quality of the food they serve to youngsters.

One of the worst examples was the Rib Ticklers meal from restaurant chain Harvester, which consists of half a rack of ribs, seasoned fries and barbecue sauce.

Researchers calculated the meal contained 1,270 calories - more than double the maximum recommended for a primary school meal - and at 80 grams, four times the upper limit for fat.

A chicken nuggets and chips meal from the Wacky Warehouse restaurant chain, labelled a "healthy" option, was also criticised.

Research estimated it contains more calories and fat than the school guidelines for children aged five to ten, and above the limit for salt.

A hamburger, fries and baked beans meal at the Garfunkel's chain is estimated to have 967 calories - double the guidelines for five to six-year-olds - and at 52 grams, more than double the fat content.

* Tesco may have to label products in its healthy-eating range high in salt, sugar and fat. The company announced in May it was planning to test a "traffic lights" labelling system to give customers more nutritional advice.

But research by the Food Commission suggests some products in Tesco's Healthy Living range will have to carry amber or red lights.

Tesco said it was using a different set of criteria based on dietary targets set by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy and the World Health Organisation.