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