Health Department: Calorie Info Law Is Totally Working

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According to numerous independent studies, the posted calorie counts now required at the city's chain restaurants have little impact on the eating habits of most adults and teenagers, with some adults ordering more calories than they would before the rule went into effect. But according to unreleased data from the city's Health Department, the calorie counts sort of help sometimes. The Department tells us, "The two main points are that our new research shows that the 15% of fast-food patrons in the city who use the information eat an average of 106 fewer calories than those who don't see or ignore the calorie content." The other 85% just want their Shamrock Shakes.

City officials say that 100 calories a day is enough to theoretically lose 7.5 pounds in a year. Cathy Nonas, a director of physical activity and nutrition programs in the health department, told Crain's, “If this became federal law, it would affect a huge number of people who want to be conscious about their calories." The study, which reviewed 12,000 receipts from city fast-food restaurants since 2009, is currently being peer-reviewed for possible publication. However, small business lobbyist Richard Lipsky said the numbers are too small to really say they make a difference. "They should be taken with a grain of salt," he said. “No pun intended." Don't worry, Bloomberg wouldn't let us anyway.

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By Jaya Saxena in Food on February 28, 2011 11:11 AM

Comments [rss]

m015094

Shit, this article reminded me that I need a Shamrock Shake. Later.......

BottomlessChips

So corrupt.

Government is no different than those evil big corporations. The truth will always be twisted when your job is at stake.

Cathy Nonas wanting this to be a federal function is laughable. Where is the common sense?

BotanistPrime

Why is this laughable? If a team of engineers at McDonald's laboratory figures out an exact scientific recipe for a Big Mac with a known calorie count why can't they post that information on the signs? If you ignore it, fine but if you want to use that information to make choices who is it hurting?

BottomlessChips

Why should the federal government start overseeing tens of thousands of restaurants for something that has been proven to be ineffective? I'm sorry...you're right. I was wrong. It's not laughable. It's lunacy.

Sounds like a good way for the government to blow millions.