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NYC Restaurants to Post Calories On Menus: Will This Help in the Battle of the Bulge?
By Christina | April 20, 2008
In October 2006 the New York Times ran a story saying that NYC restaurants were “maybe” going to have to list the calories of foods right on the menus. I for one never thought that would happen as there will probably be a percentage of people who will eat less once they realize exactly how much they are taking in which means restaurants will make less money.
Fast forward to April 2008 and it seems to have happened, a federal judge ruled Wednesday that any chain with at least 15 outlets nationally would have to list the caloric quantities on menus and menu boards. As you can imagine, the restaurant association that lost Wednesday is already talking appeal.
The judge who ruled in this case believes that New York’s obesity epidemic needs a solution and he hopes this is a first step in that direction. He believes patrons of the restaurants will make better choices once they see exactly what they are ingesting. Starbucks Coffee chain has already complied with the ruling but a spokesman, Chuck Hunt, for the restaurant association is hoping the appeal will delay the ruling as he believes this decision will cause irreparable harm to the food business.
If posting calories will affect how much people eat then how could this be anything but a great idea when obesity is linked to countless diseases, millions if not billions of dollars in health care costs and increasing mortality rates.
The restaurant association is citing the First Ammendment as their reason for fighting the ruling. They feel the restaurant should have the right to disclose and post what it feels it should. How can anyone really believe that information is not always in the best interest of the consumer. People have the right to know what they are eating and what damage they may be causing to themselves. I am not surprised that restaurants would prefer not to post how many calories are in a deep fried cat fish sandwich and fries but I am surprised that they are trying to fight it by saying it is contrary to the 1st Ammendment. We the people have the right to be informed whether it be the dangers found in nicotine, alcohol, or food. This is one trend I hope continues to sweep the country until all restaurants are in compliance.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I think it will because calories are easily “hidden” in a meal. I think it’s a great idea restaurants are being asked to post info. It’s amazing how hard restaurant chains are fighting to hide their nutrition information. It’s hard to eat well when eating out, especially when you have dietary needs or want to watch your calorie intake. Often food items that seem healthy and are marketed that way are not. For this reason, my company just launched a new service called Wellternatives that lets people find nutrition info for thousands of chain restaurants — right from their cell phone or on the web. It also makes recommendations for a healthier alternative to your favorite restaurant meals, hence the name… Wellternatives. Would love to hear what you think of it! Sara