A recent Associated Press-GfK poll found that a slight majority
of Americans favored requiring calorie counts on restaurant
menus. The results ranged from 52% to 56% approval depending on
the type of restaurant in question. The larger numbers were for
fast food restaurants at 56%, followed by 54% approving
requirements for sit-down restaurants as well.
The poll was conducted just after a recent announcement by the
FDA concerning new rules requiring "restaurants and other
establishments that sell prepared foods and have 20 or more
locations to post the calorie content of food "clearly and
conspicuously" on their menus, menu boards and display."
The theory behind the new rules is that if calorie counts, sugar
and fat information were available on menus people would change
their dietary habits. In a somewhat surprising finding, the poll
found that approval was fairly consistent across political lines,
with nearly equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans in favor.
Women approved of the requirements more than men did.
Even though a majority of those polled were in favor of calorie
counts being required, most Americans felt that they already had
enough information to make informed choices, both at restaurants
and at grocery stores. In stores, nutrition labels have been
required since the 1990s, although some changes have been
introduced since that time.
What do you think about requiring calorie counts or other
nutritional information on restaurant menus? Will it change the way
you eat?
Photo of Loaded
chili cheeseburger from Food Network
Magazine