Calorie counts on menus – yea or nay?
January 3, 2015 by DarcieA recent Associated Press-GfK poll found that a slight majority of Americans favored requiring calorie counts on restaurant menus. The results ranged from 52% to 56% approval depending on the type of restaurant in question. The larger numbers were for fast food restaurants at 56%, followed by 54% approving requirements for sit-down restaurants as well.
The poll was conducted just after a recent announcement by the FDA concerning new rules requiring “restaurants and other establishments that sell prepared foods and have 20 or more locations to post the calorie content of food “clearly and conspicuously” on their menus, menu boards and display.”
The theory behind the new rules is that if calorie counts, sugar and fat information were available on menus people would change their dietary habits. In a somewhat surprising finding, the poll found that approval was fairly consistent across political lines, with nearly equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans in favor. Women approved of the requirements more than men did.
Even though a majority of those polled were in favor of calorie counts being required, most Americans felt that they already had enough information to make informed choices, both at restaurants and at grocery stores. In stores, nutrition labels have been required since the 1990s, although some changes have been introduced since that time.
What do you think about requiring calorie counts or other nutritional information on restaurant menus? Will it change the way you eat?
Photo of Loaded chili cheeseburger from Food Network Magazine
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