Well certainly statewide mandates would put calories on restaurant menus faster than each city enforcing regulation… Evidently CA and NY may be the first states to require this info.
This WSJ article highlights the news. I have to point out one criticism. An opposer of the legislation gave an example of how calories on menus can be ineffective by comparing diet coke with zero calories to milk with 130 calories - which one is healthier? Well, here’s the deal… people know that milk is healthier than diet soda. That is not the point. But did they know that the chicken bacon ranch at subway is one of the highest calorie hot subs on the menu? The steak and cheese is one of the lowest - and there is a 200 calorie difference between the two. So, in my opinion, that argument does not pass muster. Yes, more than just calories is important in determining nutrition value. But calories is the minimum that many proponents are requesting. The confusion lies largely in the differences between entrees. Also, with respect to condiments, if they show a cheeseburger with the standard condiments, anyone watching calories knows if they ask for extra cheese they are adding calories and fat. If they ask for “no mayo” they know they are reducing it.
The argument that there is no evidence menu labels reduce obesity is tired in my opinion. The information empowers consumers to make informed decisions. It helps shape behaviors. There is not one cause of obesity - and labeling alone won’t reverse trends. We know that a few hundred calories a day surplus can lead to obesity over a number of years so when you can save a few hundred between the entree choices, we need to pay attention to what might help consumers do that.
This WSJ article highlights the news. I have to point out one criticism. An opposer of the legislation gave an example of how calories on menus can be ineffective by comparing diet coke with zero calories to milk with 130 calories - which one is healthier? Well, here’s the deal… people know that milk is healthier than diet soda. That is not the point. But did they know that the chicken bacon ranch at subway is one of the highest calorie hot subs on the menu? The steak and cheese is one of the lowest - and there is a 200 calorie difference between the two. So, in my opinion, that argument does not pass muster. Yes, more than just calories is important in determining nutrition value. But calories is the minimum that many proponents are requesting. The confusion lies largely in the differences between entrees. Also, with respect to condiments, if they show a cheeseburger with the standard condiments, anyone watching calories knows if they ask for extra cheese they are adding calories and fat. If they ask for “no mayo” they know they are reducing it.
The argument that there is no evidence menu labels reduce obesity is tired in my opinion. The information empowers consumers to make informed decisions. It helps shape behaviors. There is not one cause of obesity - and labeling alone won’t reverse trends. We know that a few hundred calories a day surplus can lead to obesity over a number of years so when you can save a few hundred between the entree choices, we need to pay attention to what might help consumers do that.
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