Doctors want calories printed with menu items in restaurants and schools - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Baraka_Guru · 04-09-2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

MDs call for calories on menus
Globe and Mail
CARLY WEEKS
April 8, 2009
Schools and chain restaurants should be required to post caloric information beside menu items to arm consumers with the knowledge needed to make healthier choices as part of the growing battle against obesity, the Ontario Medical Association proposed yesterday.

The doctors' group wants school pupils to be able to see the number of calories in a slice of pizza, a basket of French fries or a ham-and-cheese sandwich listed beside the price of the item.

It's critical to educate young people about their bodies' energy requirements and the nutritional content of food, particularly as childhood obesity reaches epidemic proportions in Canada and many other developed nations, the OMA said.

"We're really, really concerned by how children are managing their diet," said Ken Arnold, OMA president. "The fact that our kids are getting fatter, and that they're going to affect their lifespan, and they're going to affect their health by doing so."

Such a plan would require agreement from various levels of government. While the association hasn't yet discussed the idea with government officials, it hopes that school, industry and public officials will recognize the growing need to provide consumers with information about the nutritional content of restaurant food.

"It's not suggesting that people shouldn't make high-calorie choices," said Yoni Freedhoff, medical director at the Bariatric Medical Institute in Ottawa, who is part of the OMA campaign. "It's just that you need to know what you're choosing."

The debate over nutrition labelling in restaurants has been simmering for several years, with U.S. cities such as New York, Seattle, Philadelphia and Portland, and the state of California, passing legislation requiring chains to put that information on menus. In New York, officials say, the menu labelling requirements have prompted many restaurants to alter their offerings or remove certain high-calorie items.

In Britain this week, 17 restaurant chains, including Burger King, Pizza Hut and KFC, have agreed to start listing calorie content beside prices. The changes are scheduled to take effect by the end of June.

In Canada, no cities or provinces currently compel restaurants to disclose nutritional information on menus.

Liberal MP Tom Wappel tabled a private member's bill in 2006 to require it, but the bill died in Parliament.

Now, the medical association is launching a campaign to educate the public and win support for the idea of a mandatory display of caloric information on restaurant menus.

The group is singling out chain restaurants, rather than independents, because they typically operate on a large scale and could more readily afford to make such a transition, in the doctors' view.

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, an industry group that represents restaurants, cafeterias, bars and other institutions, has long argued that it's unnecessary to force the industry to divulge nutritional information. Itdeveloped its own information program to providecaloric, fat and other nutritional facts.

In a statement, the CRFA said 33 food-service companies, representing more than 60 per cent of chain restaurant revenues in Canada, have signed on to the program and that "many chain restaurants provide detailed nutrition information for standard menu items in the form of in-store posters and brochures as well as website calculators."

It also noted that providing accurate, up-to-date nutrition information can pose a challenge for restaurants because many may switch ingredients or change suppliers, which can affect an item's content.

But Dr. Freedhoff said leaving it up to restaurants to post nutrition content voluntarily means the information is often displayed in small print on posters, or on the underside of tray liners.

Unless the information is clearly visible to the consumer at the cash register - preferably beside the price - few will see it, he said.

A study released last month found only a minuscule portion of consumers sought nutritional information from wall posters, nutritional brochures or other on-site sources at major fast food chains in the U.S.

Professors in Yale University's psychology department observed more than 4,300 consumers at eight locations of four major restaurant chains, including Starbucks and McDonald's. They found that only six people - or 0.1 per cent - of patrons looked at the nutritional information.

"This finding is worrisome, because people tend to underestimate the caloric content of fast-food meals, which are typically higher in calories than are meals made at home," the study said. "Our results indicate that if on-premises nutrition information is to affect customers' purchasing behaviours, it must be displayed in a highly visible place such as on a menu board."

globeandmail.com: MDs call for calories on menus

Okay, so a group of doctors in Ontario want to have restaurants and school cafeterias list the caloric value of foods beside the prices on menus.

Apparently, very few people read the nutritional information on food in restaurants (not surprising), so the claim is that people tend to underestimate the value of calories in what they eat.

What impact do you think this will have on restaurant patrons and their food choices?
How will this affect restaurants in the decisions they make with new and existing products?

I think this is a great idea, and it is one that will benefit me. I'll likely take into effect the caloric values when making my decisions. "Woah, that 'appetizer' is 800 calores? WTF?!" I think this information should be more visible, especially when you consider the problem we have as a society when it comes to nutrition and weight problems. A bit of information isn't a magic bullet, but it will certainly help.

I'm sure it won't have a profound effect on the majority, but for many people, this change will be a good one. Making important information highly visible will help people make more conscious choices. It should be more than pretty pictures, good smells, and competitive prices. It should also be about what you're really getting...namely the number of calories.

I think this will also have an impact on certain restaurants. They know people are becoming increasingly health conscious. This idea might lead them to make smaller portions or to put in fewer high-calorie ingredients in certain items. In other cases, it won't matter: french fries are french fries, after all. But in the grand scope of things, we might see a shift in how we are served food outside the home.

This isn't a new idea, as it has already happened in some areas of the U.K. and the U.S. But I'd like to see more of this.

What are your thoughts?

Glory's Sun · 04-09-2009, 07:13 AM

I still think that people put too much emphasis on the word 'calorie'. Granted, it would help with general perception of things if they realized how many were in what they were eating; but it fails in breaking down the calories and what they come from. Just because you order a salad doesn't mean it's healthy.

McDonald's has a nutritional guide in most restaurants, but again, most people don't pay attention to what they are eating.

at least this is a first step though.

BadNick · 04-09-2009, 07:15 AM

I think it works and makes people more conscious of the effects of what they're eating.

Maybe it's because I mentioned it to them a few times when they got a bit plumper than I thought they should be, but my two boys 12 & 13 years old seem quite in tune with such nutritional data and when we are in the fast food joints they often mention the calories, fat, etc. and how it relates to what they're ordering. I also hear their friends mention it sometimes.

On a vaguely related note, I heard a story on NPR this morning talking about data showing that keeping the room you're in at say low 60F range vs mid 70F range causes you to burn up a few hundred extra calories and this can actually be significant in a weight control/loss plan. So I figure if they keep the inside of the local McD's at 60F I can eat an extra Big Mac!

Cynthetiq · 04-09-2009, 07:43 AM

BadNick, restaurant theory is that restaurants keep rooms cold because it increases the amount of food you will eat.

as far as the calorie counting.... if you are on a budget and you know all the amounts you have to "spend" and "buy" why wouldn't this be a good thing?

Quote:

View: Survey Finds Calorie Counts On New York City Restaurant Menus Changes Consumer Behavior
Source: Vendingmarketwatch
posted with the TFP thread generator

Survey Finds Calorie Counts On New York City Restaurant Menus Changes Consumer Behavior
Survey Finds Calorie Counts On New York City Restaurant Menus Changes Consumer Behavior
02/11/2009

A survey conducted by foodservice consultant Technomic, Inc. revealed that the mandated calorie disclosure for New York City restaurants with 15 or more units is affecting what items consumers order and which restaurants they visit.

Technomic found that 86 percent of New York City restaurant-goers were surprised by the calorie count information now listed on menus or menu boards, with 90 percent of them claiming that the calorie count was higher than expected. As a consequence, 82 percent say that calorie disclosure is affecting what they order and 60 percent say it is affecting where they visit. The researchers also found evidence that suggests a high level of consumer support for mandated disclosure of fat and sodium content in restaurant foods.

"Consumers find the calorie information on menus to be helpful," says Bob Goldin, executive vice [resident in a prepared statement. He adds that consumers want restaurants to offer more low-calorie options. Kathy Gaynor, Technomic's study director, notes "consumers want the restaurant industry to respond more aggressively to nutritional concerns and are in favor of all levels of government playing a more active role in regulating restaurant menus."

For more information on the New York City restaurant user survey or Technomic's other health and nutrition tracking programs, contact Bob Goldin at 312-506-3936 or rgoldin@technomic.com.

When you see a value meal at McDonalds and you see a phone number next to it, and suddenly realize that it's not a phone number to customer service, but the range of calories the meal can be.... it's a little unsettling.

I'm not truly convinced that it will really help anyone more than here and there. I say this because people knew what they were doing for the credit and spending habits and still "cheated" and rationalized. I'm going to say that years from now the impact will be very little and the noise of the numbers will just be clutter.

Plan9 · 04-09-2009, 07:49 AM

I'm in favor of this idea. Right or wrong, the "big numbers" associated with eating crapfood can only be beneficial.

Show somebody how many calories are in a 12" Subway tuna sandwich and they'll reassess their eating habits.

Baraka_Guru · 04-09-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crompsin

Show somebody how many calories are in a 12" Subway tuna sandwich and they'll reassess their eating habits.

1,060 calories (62g fat)

Lindy · 04-09-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

MDs call for calories on menus
Globe and Mail
CARLY WEEKS
April 8, 2009

Schools and chain restaurants should be required to post caloric information beside menu items to arm consumers with the knowledge needed to make healthier choices as part of the growing battle against obesity, the Ontario Medical Association proposed yesterday.

..."It's not suggesting that people shouldn't make high-calorie choices," said Yoni Freedhoff, medical director at the Bariatric Medical Institute in Ottawa, who is part of the OMA campaign. "It's just that you need to know what you're choosing."

What a bunch of obfuscating hogwash!

If he isn't suggesting that, then what the hell is he suggesting??? And if not suggesting that, what would be the point of it???

I agree with guccilvr, that there is too much emphasis on calories. If this is to be done, why not info on fat, carbs, and protein as well? And for a lot of people, a salad is just a feelgood vehicle for the delivery of a huge amount of both fat and sugar in the dressing. Which wouldn't be listed with the salad, of course.

Unfortunately, (for the public health) restaurants in general, and fast food places in particular, put on the menu exactly what people want to buy. I doubt if posted information would get past the mixture of habit, apathy, and delusion (just this once won't hurt) that govern most food choices. Most people don't want to change to acheive better health. What they want is to go on just as they always have, without suffering consequences.

Lindy

Strange Famous · 04-09-2009, 11:04 AM

I think its a very good idea, but in practice in a restauarant things can be cooked to order and every meal doesnt have a set level of calories.

samcol · 04-09-2009, 11:14 AM

This might be ok for fast food or schools, but I would find it kinda insulting and distracting at nicer restaurants.

dippin · 04-09-2009, 11:15 AM

I am not opposed to this in theory. I've been surprised more than once when I found out the "healthy" option I was eating actually had more calories than stuff at mcdonalds and so on.

The only problem I have is with how this plays out in practice. Would this put small mom and pop chain who cant afford to determine caloric values of their ever changing menus out of business?

Willravel · 04-09-2009, 11:22 AM

What impact do you think this will have on restaurant patrons and their food choices?
It may only have a minor impact, but it's about providing all the information to the consumer so that the consumer can make an informed choice. I have to support that.
How will this affect restaurants in the decisions they make with new and existing products?
We've already seen the advent of the organic food market. I myself am delighted to have the choice to purchase organic, free range meat and I do so, putting my money into a system that supports health and responsibility. It's hard to say how this will change things, as McDonalds is still doing as well as ever even after Supersize Me (great movie), but hey if it helps even a few people it seems to be worth it. And if it does cause some restaurants to reexamine their ingredients, all the better.

I really can't see a downside in this. Put it on a California ballot and I'll vote for it. Twice.

kutulu · 04-09-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dippin

I am not opposed to this in theory. I've been surprised more than once when I found out the "healthy" option I was eating actually had more calories than stuff at mcdonalds and so on.

The only problem I have is with how this plays out in practice. Would this put small mom and pop chain who cant afford to determine caloric values of their ever changing menus out of business?

Most similar legislation like this only applies to chains.

inBOIL · 04-09-2009, 01:01 PM

This is completely unnecessary. If you want to lose weight, you can, by eating at home or at restaurants that voluntarily provide nutrition information. If you're too lazy or uninterested in losing weight, having calories on a menu will, at most, cause you to lower your calorie intake at one meal. It's not going to inspire anyone to exercise or eat healthy on a regular basis.

04-09-2009, 07:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
Plan9 I Confess a Shiver	I'm in favor of this idea. Right or wrong, the "big numbers" associated with eating crapfood can only be beneficial. Show somebody how many calories are in a 12" Subway tuna sandwich and they'll reassess their eating habits. __________________ *Whatever you can carry.* "You should not drink... and bake."

04-09-2009, 11:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Strange Famous follower of the child's crusade?	I think its a very good idea, but in practice in a restauarant things can be cooked to order and every meal doesnt have a set level of calories. __________________ "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered." The Gospel of Thomas

04-09-2009, 11:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
samcol Junkie Location: Indiana	This might be ok for fast food or schools, but I would find it kinda insulting and distracting at nicer restaurants. __________________ It's time for the president to hand over his nobel peace prize.

04-09-2009, 01:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
inBOIL I have eaten the slaw	This is completely unnecessary. If you want to lose weight, you can, by eating at home or at restaurants that voluntarily provide nutrition information. If you're too lazy or uninterested in losing weight, having calories on a menu will, at most, cause you to lower your calorie intake at one meal. It's not going to inspire anyone to exercise or eat healthy on a regular basis. __________________ And you believe Bush and the liberals and divorced parents and gays and blacks and the Christian right and fossil fuels and Xbox are all to blame, meanwhile you yourselves create an ad where your kid hits you in the head with a baseball and you don't understand the message that the problem is you.

04-09-2009, 07:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	I still think that people put too much emphasis on the word 'calorie'. Granted, it would help with general perception of things if they realized how many were in what they were eating; but it fails in breaking down the calories and what they come from. Just because you order a salad doesn't mean it's healthy. McDonald's has a nutritional guide in most restaurants, but again, most people don't pay attention to what they are eating. at least this is a first step though.

04-09-2009, 07:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	I think it works and makes people more conscious of the effects of what they're eating. Maybe it's because I mentioned it to them a few times when they got a bit plumper than I thought they should be, but my two boys 12 & 13 years old seem quite in tune with such nutritional data and when we are in the fast food joints they often mention the calories, fat, etc. and how it relates to what they're ordering. I also hear their friends mention it sometimes. On a vaguely related note, I heard a story on NPR this morning talking about data showing that keeping the room you're in at say low 60F range vs mid 70F range causes you to burn up a few hundred extra calories and this can actually be significant in a weight control/loss plan. So I figure if they keep the inside of the local McD's at 60F I can eat an extra Big Mac!

04-09-2009, 11:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
dippin Crazy, indeed Location: the ether	I am not opposed to this in theory. I've been surprised more than once when I found out the "healthy" option I was eating actually had more calories than stuff at mcdonalds and so on. The only problem I have is with how this plays out in practice. Would this put small mom and pop chain who cant afford to determine caloric values of their ever changing menus out of business?

04-09-2009, 11:22 AM	#11 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	What impact do you think this will have on restaurant patrons and their food choices? It may only have a minor impact, but it's about providing all the information to the consumer so that the consumer can make an informed choice. I have to support that. How will this affect restaurants in the decisions they make with new and existing products? We've already seen the advent of the organic food market. I myself am delighted to have the choice to purchase organic, free range meat and I do so, putting my money into a system that supports health and responsibility. It's hard to say how this will change things, as McDonalds is still doing as well as ever even after Supersize Me (great movie), but hey if it helps even a few people it seems to be worth it. And if it does cause some restaurants to reexamine their ingredients, all the better. I really can't see a downside in this. Put it on a California ballot and I'll vote for it. Twice.