New Food Chain Rules

by: AndreaDow
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Word Count: 337

February 22nd, 2008

According to CNN.com, there is some exciting news regarding New York's rules on posting restaurant nutrition information. I reported a while ago that the Big Apple was trying to provide consumers with more information so they could make educated choices on their intake. Last month, the New York City Board of Health voted unanimously that all city chain restaurants will be required to post calorie data on their menus. Yahoo!

Starting March 31st, restaurants that have more than 15 locations in the city will be required to post nutritionals on their big menu boards and menus. This will be about 10% of the city's restaurants. While the move may not make it an easier for people to make healthier choices, at least the public will be educated on caloric information. CNN.com sites a 2005 Community Health Survery that found 54 percent of adults in New York City are overweight or obese. The Board of Health is hoping this change will start a downward trend on that high percentage.

This change did not come easily. The Board of Health went through months of opposition from The New York Restaurant Association. The Restaurant Association argued that posting nutritionals was a violation against First Ammendment Rights. They have also argued that posting nutrition labels on foods in grocery stores has not made a difference in terms of decreasing American's waistlines. Why would posting information in restaurants make a difference?

While I see the arguement from the Restaurant Association, I believe that information is power for consumers. So many people still grossly underestimate that amount of calories in a fast food meal. I think people will think twice about super-sizing their order once they see their meal approaching 1,200 calories and a days worth of saturated fat.

I would love to hear from some of you New Yorkers when you start to see the nutrition information posted this spring. Do you like it? Does it help you make better choices?

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