Calorie Postings in Chain Restaurants in a Low-Income Urban Neighborhood: Measuring Practical Utility and Policy Compliance

Abstract

Current strategies for combating obesity include recent federal legislation mandating calorie count postings in chain restaurants. This study describes the current practice of menu board calorie postings in a low-income urban neighborhood, identifies the extent to which current practice complies with existing policy, and evaluates the practical utility of menu boards to consumers. We conclude that although most postings were legally compliant, they did not demonstrate utility. Menu postings for individual servings are easily understood, but complex math skills are needed to interpret meals designed to serve more than one person. In some items, calories doubled depending on flavor and the calorie posting did not give enough information to make healthier selections. We identified specific strategies to improve practical utility and provide recommendations for policy implementation.

‘How many calories are in my burrito?’ Improving consumers’ understanding of energy (calorie) range information

“…Motivated by the notion that consumers should have accurate point-of-purchase energy information to make informed decisions, energy range information is being increasingly touted as a way to provide energy information for customizable foods (6,7) . However, both policy makers and consumer welfare groups have raised concerns about consumers' understanding of energy range information (8)(9)(10) .…”

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Children's Health

“…Environmental change interventions that may influence SSB consumption have generally targeted SSB availability in schools, stores, and public places, as well as advertising that targets children (28,116,136,151). However, the greatest consumption of SSBs for children and adults happens in the home.…”

“…Additionally, beginning with laws in New York City, calorie information in restaurants and fast-food locations is often displayed up on the menu or next to the foods or beverages available for purchase (48,59). This new approach may be helpful in providing more information to consumers and raising awareness of the high caloric content of many beverages for sale in restaurant chains (18,28,66,153). The US Food and Drug Administration has released a statement requiring chain restaurants to provide nutrition labeling by December 2016 (49).…”

Menu Labeling Regulations and Calories Purchased at Chain Restaurants

“…[29][30][31] Only 30% of respondents from coffee chains (where items not listed on menu boards, such as pastries, were exempt) and 62% from food chains saw labels, suggesting that improved visibility might increase awareness. Of those seeing the labels, about one third used them.…”

“…Customers may not use caloric information due to lack of interest or limited customer understanding because of low literacy and numeracy. [31][32][33][34] Simpler labels, such as color-coded symbols or listing menu items in order of caloric content (starting with the lowest), might increase impact. 15,35,36 …”