New Yorkers are in shock after the introduction of madatory calorie labelling for all food items sold at chain restaurants with more than 15 outlets nationwide.
Now every food and drink sold at these outlets must display the calories in the same sized print as the price.
The calorie information has always been available on a brochure and in Calorie Counters such as Allan Borushek’s, but now it’s a clear reminder to stop and think.
Hopefully as we followed the Americans up the obesity ladder, we’ll follow the positive lead of displaying calories too. Anything that makes us rethink how much we eat has got to be a help.
In Australia KFC’s Colonel Burger Kids Meal contains 850 Calories.
To put this in perspective, for children aiming to curb weight gain, aged 6 – 8 years, the aim would be 350 Cals. For the same age group to continue gaining weight at a normal rate, would be 450Cals. For kids aged 9 – 11 years the aim would be 450 Cals to become leaner as they grow, or 550Cals to gain weight at a normal rate. For teens, it depends on activity level, and whether they are male of female but the range would stay between 350 Cals and 550 Cals.
What do you think about mandatory calorie labelling at food outlets?
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I think the mandatory calorie labelling is a fantastic idea! Some people just have no idea how many calories they are putting in their bodies! It would teach people that just because it’s a “small” burger or “small fries”, doesn’t make it a “small” amount of calories! I think this could definatley make a change to weight gain!