The health care reform legislation signed into law by President Obama packs a greater punch than some may realize. In addition to provisions that will protect health insurance coverage for people with preexisting conditions and lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors, it requires restaurants with more than 20 locations to provide calorie information on their menus. The idea is that when presented with the cold hard numbers at the time of ordering, rather than looking it up – or not – on the Internet hours later, consumers will make healthier, more nutritious choices.
As we’ve previously discussed on the Full Spectrum Blog, menu labeling studies have shown mixed results, but a recent study conducted by The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – one with a wider and more diverse sample size than studies conducted previously – showed participants recognized the posted calorie information and made statistically significant changes in the food they purchased. (As a clarification, menu labeling refers to nutritional information placed on restaurant menus, while food labeling, is labeling on food products.)
Despite this research, critics of menu labeling say there is no proof that it will have an effect on the food decisions consumers make. To some degree, these critics have a point, but it isn’t that we shouldn’t be providing calorie information on menus, it’s that this information alone is not enough.
Menu labeling is a valuable tool in helping Americans make better food choices, but as a communicator I also know that changing knowledge, attitudes and behavior that are deeply ingrained takes more than just a sign. In order to truly improve the nutrition and overall health of our nation’s citizens we need a concerted campaign – including tools like menu labeling – that educates consumers about proper nutrition, combats barriers that incentivize poor food choices such as high cost and limited access, and inspires children and adults to take action for their own health. Only then will we together as a society start to make better food choices.
Erin Turner
Tags: calorie, Health Care Reform, menu labeling, nutrition
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Hello Erin! Very interesting post. What are you thinking about various detox diets? They are very popular at last years as you know.