The FDA Wants YOU to Know What�s On The Menu

Source:  FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just released mandatory requirements that will require many restaurants to display the amount of calories in the meals and alcoholic beverages on their menu.   This mandatory requirement will be enforced for chain restaurants with 20 or more locations to ensure that consumers have access to this nutrition information prior to placing their order.

While many restaurants, such as Panera and Chipotle already have this information available at their eateries and/or on their website, all restaurants that fit the bill must adhere to these new guidelines by December 1, 2015.

According to FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, �Americans eat and drink about one-third of their calories away from home. These final rules will give consumers more information when they are dining out and help them lead healthier lives.�  

Here is what you may uncover at these eateries once the calories become posted:

Source:  Restaurant websites

The regulations also include take-out and delivery foods such as pizza and edibles at movie theaters.  Vending machines will also be included if the operator owns or operates 20 or more machines.

Do you think that having the calories associated with your meal or snack visible would affect how your order?  Please share.

Be well, Joan

Twitter:  @JoanSalgeBlake