In an effort to curb obesity in America, the Food and Drug Administration has proposed a law that would require certain food establishments to clearly label nutrition information on their menus.

The requirements were proposed April 1 and would mandate chain restaurants and vendors with 20 or more locations to post the calorie count for each menu item.

Approximately one-third of people’s total calories are prepared outside the home, said Diana Monaco, an FDA public affairs specialist for New York state. Although consumers can generally find nutrition information on packaged foods at home, restaurants do not typically supply them, Monaco said. By making this information readily available to people, they are able to make the best choices for themselves and their families, Monaco said.

About half of the consumers in a study saw the calories posted, and approximately 28 percent of those who noticed the posted calories said the information influenced their ordering, according to an article published in The New York Times on Oct. 6, 2009.

New York is one of six states, two cities and two counties to already have a law that requires labeling of nutrition information to some degree, Monaco said. States and local areas are able to create their own provisions when they see fit, Monaco said.

As part of the proposed law, movie theaters, bowling alleys and other establishments would not be required to display nutrition information because their primary goal is not to sell food, Monaco said. The law also would not cover alcoholic beverages.

The proposed law is not the only measure FDA is taking to curb obesity, Monaco said. A lot is being done with public education to teach people about healthier options, Monaco said. The FDA also provides information on labeling and eating for a healthy heart and lower sodium intake, among other tips, on its website.

Blake Catlin, general manager of Red Lobster on Erie Boulevard, said he believes the law will positively affect Red Lobster, which has 648 locations in the United States.

‘Seafood is the healthiest choice out there,’ Catlin said. ‘I truly believe it will help let the general public know how genuinely healthy seafood is.’

Jane Uzcategui, an instructor of nutrition science and dietetics at Syracuse University, said the law would change the eating habits of those who are interested, but would not affect those who are not.

‘Large restaurants have standard menus and the customer base is larger,’ Uzcategui said. ‘They tend to be frequented more, which increases the impact to dietary health.’

Venues such as movie theaters were removed from the proposed law after much outcry from theater chains, according to an article published in The New York Times on April 1.

The National Association of Theatre Owners does not think it would be helpful to supply nutrition information because a tub of popcorn could be more than 1,000 calories, Uzcategui said.

‘The movie theater industry is pushing back because they do not want to be seen in a negative light,’ Uzcategui said. ‘And they are trying to make money.’

Brian Wettering, general manager for AMF Strike ‘N Spare Lanes on Brewerton Road, said he thinks it is a benefit that bowling alleys would not be included in the law. The bowling alley has nutrition information available for people who want to see it, but it does not want the information to be displayed for everyone to see, Wettering said.

‘If people see how many calories there are, they may not purchase the item,’ Wettering said. ‘It would hurt the revenue I bring in. A cookie is a large number of calories, and they are more likely to go with the healthier choice or no choice.’

Uzcategui said New York City conducted a survey to see how effective displaying calorie information was in persuading people to choose a healthier option. The results indicated it had little effect.

People should pay more attention to nutrition education, push others to educate children and monitor what is offered to children, Uzcategui said. But Uzcategui also believes the proposed law could be somewhat effective.

‘I am an advocate that consumers should have as much information so they can choose to use it,’ Uzcategui said. ‘This is a personal right.’

hmbehre@syr.edu

Published on April 11, 2011 at 12:00 pm