Thoughts On Restaurant Menu Labeling

There has been much debate recently about menu labeling requirements for restaurants.  Currently, foods that are served for immediate consumption, such as in restaurants, are not required to be labeled.   Many argue that this information is necessary to help consumers make informed choices; but others see the idea as unrealistic and an act of over-regulation.

Would people make different choices if they had nutrient information in front of them at the point of decision?  That questions remains to be answered.  Many large restaurant chains already have nutrition information listed on their websites, yet we have seen no change in health trends. 

One argument against the labeling requirement is that small restaurants do not have the resources to have their menus analyzed.   To further complicate the situation, many cooks do not use recipes and menu specials often change daily. Since the composition of dishes may be different each time they are prepared, this also raises concerns over labeling accuracy.

As a dietitian, I often use the internet to find nutritional information for clients managing health conditions.  Many people are shocked to see what their favorite restaurant dishes actually contain.  Despite having the information available at their fingertips, most people are not searching for this information on their own. 

While I agree that labeling requirements could be helpful in some cases, such as for those managing diabetes and other health conditions, I’m not convinced this is the answer to our nation’s obesity crisis.    

To me, the bigger question here is how we can make sensible food choices without micromanaging every bite we take.  I believe the answer is different for everyone, but to find it we must first begin looking… 

- Stacy