DOC News June 1, 2007
Volume 4 Number 6 p. 19
© 2007 American Diabetes Association
What's in That Burger?
On average, Americans dine out on more than four commercially prepared
meals a week, according to the National Restaurant Association. What's more,
they know little about the ingredients and portion sizes of those meals, given
that restaurant menus don't provide the type of nutritional information
required on store-bought food packaging.
Considering the magnitude of the obesity epidemic, some state
legislators have called for increased menu information to help restaurant
diners make informed health decisions. In fact, a number of states are
considering legislation to mandate inclusion of nutritional information in
chain restaurant menus and menu boards.
DOC News asked:
Should restaurant menus include nutritional information?
Nutritional information should be on menus because it helps guide
[people's] food choices if they have high cholesterol or blood sugar. If there
is a heart symbol on a menu, showing that something is lower in cholesterol or
heart-healthy, I would rather choose that. It's a smart way to go.
Joan Koetts
Health Information Technician
Grand Rapids, Mich.
I think [nutritional information] should be included because people who are
watching their caloric intake or saturated fats want to know what's in their
food. People who are diabetic, hypertensive, or whatever, need this
information.
Irene Heaston
Diabetes Program Manager
Atlanta, Ga.
The average person doesn't realize that restaurants serve extra-large
portions. They may think that a portion of green beans has 25 calories. That's
not what they're getting when they eat out at a restaurant. People may think
they're getting a baked potato that's 80 calories. It's more like 400
calories. I'm drinking a Coke that's 180 calories; not when it's three
refills. So people need this information because of the extra-size servings
and how the food is prepared.
Teresia Huddleston, RD, CDE
Clinical Nutritionist
Bowling Green,
Ky.
I try to eat healthy generally, but a lot of places don't have that
information. I don't think I can make an informed decision. [Nutritional
information] would allow people who cared about it to make an informed
decision. If people don't want to read it, they don't have to. But it is
education of the consumer, and it can be helpful.
Jenny Camponeschi, MS
Epidemiologist
Madison, Wis.
Absolutely yes. I think that people are much more aware of healthy eating,
and they're looking for this information. From a business perspective, it's
helpful to the restaurant. From a societal perspective, it's helpful to all
members of society. When possible, it should also be in Spanish as well as
English.
Eliana Loveluck
Program Director
Washington, D.C.
A lot of restaurants don't have the resources to figure out nutritional
content.... I don't know if they're going to want to do this, but from the
customer's perspective it would be great.
Eric Weiskopf, MEd
Technical Adviser
Albany, N.Y.
If it's not too complicated... if there is some sort of system that is easy
and doesn't give too much information. Perhaps a series of stars that says,
"This is a high-fat item, not heart-healthy," or five stars that
say, "This is a healthy choice," or whatever. It's less difficult
for the restaurant to implement.
Kim Kelly
Project Coordinator
Albany, N.Y.
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