Putting Calorie Counts on Fast Food Menus Won’t Make People Eat Less, Experts Say

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“Putting Calorie Counts on Fast Food Menus Won’t Make People Eat Less, Experts Say”

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/02/calorie-counts-fast-food_n_6220628.html

Announced towards the conclusion of 2014 by the Food and Drug Administration, fast food restaurants will soon be required to have the number of calories per item listed on their menus. However, some researchers who study food trends and how labeling influences food choices feel that this mandate will not result in better choices being made by consumers. Often in fast food establishments, many order without looking at the menu and therefore calorie information has no influence on the customer. Perhaps the most alarming reason why researchers feel that this new requirement will have little effect on the public is because many do not understand how many calories should be consumed in a typical meal and cannot discern between healthy and unhealthy options. Some may assume that the calorie amounts for fast food entrees is “normal” and poses no real threat.


To the restaurant industry, this article provides relief to the worries that this FDA requirement will cause loss of business. However, from a dietitian’s perspective, it is alarming that some research shows such requirements will not change consumer’s habits. It highlights the importance of educating the community about what calories are and how many an individual should consume on a daily basis. Without properly educating the general public, these new laws will not actually yield any healthier changes made by consumers when it comes to fast food dining.  

AG

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