New research has assessed the real impact of menu labeling at King County restaurants following the implementation of the new regulations. The research results were made available Online, in the August issue Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. «Eating out often means more calories and fat. The cost of obesity to families, businesses and the government was more than $ 2010 billion in 117, ”says lead nutritionist researcher Dr. Barbara Bruemmer, senior lecturer at the School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle. King County Restaurant was one of the first performers menu labeling, in January 2009. The new rules apply to any restaurant with 15 or more establishments in the United States with at least $ 1 million in annual turnover. Researchers wanted to see if restaurants could improve the appetizers they serve so that they contain less calories, or possibly replace them with a healthier alternative. Researchers controlled menus in 11 restaurant chains sit-down – with food on site – and 26 quick service. The level of nutritional values was checked startersthat appeared on the menu six months after the entry into force of the new provisions, and after a further 12 months, in order to determine whether individual menu items have been amended accordingly. «We found evidence of decrease in energy value, saturated fat and sodium content, once legislation is implemented, for these two measurements. We’ve also seen a trend of introducing healthier starter alternatives, but only in restaurants sit-down«, Said Dr. Bruemmer. However, most starters still contained high amounts of calories, saturated fat, and sodium compared to the dietary recommendations. «56 percent Appetizers exceed the recommended level by up to a third of the recommended daily allowance for an adult, while 77 percent starters exceeded the standards for saturated fat, and almost 90 percent. standards regarding sodium content. Improvement is visible, but we still have a long way to go, ”said Dr. Bruemmer.
2022-11-10