First there was California. Then New York City. Then Seattle, Philly, and other regions followed suit. Some celebrated; others grieved. Over the past few weeks, we have learned that West Virginia, Brookline, Mass, and other areas are not in favor of local menu labeling laws. Maybe it’s because they’re holding out for a national law that’s not only standardized coast to coast, but a little easier on restaurants’ wallets than the ones proposed locally.

The labeling laws that have passed so far requires restaurants to disclose calorie information in plain sight of the customers. Having to post calorie information at point of purchase is no small effort. It requires accurate nutrition analysis, updating menu boards (which, by the way, is a lot easier if you go digital), possibly revisiting and revising recipes (and re-analyzing for nutritional value), printing, possibly reorganizing the purchase area, and possibly re-printing menus. All of this is expensive.

But research has shown that calorie disclosure significantly impacts health outcomes. One study extrapolated its results to state that if diners consumed 600 more calories than they realized for just one restaurant meal per week, an extra 30,000 calories a year would be added to their diets. These unaccounted calories could cause a weight gain of approximately nine pounds annually, holding all other factors constant. (ref: Burton S, Creyer EH, Kees J, Huggins K. Attacking the obesity epidemic: the potential health benefits of providing nutrition information in restaurants. Am J Public Health. 2006; 96:1669-1675.)

No one wants to feel responsible for the obesity epidemic; restaurateurs DO care about public health. This is why restaurants favor the LEAN act over the local legislation. (The NRA supports the LEAN Act as well.) There are many differences between the two, a most notable one being this: NYC and Cali have to post the calories in plain sight, near or on the menu / menu board itself. The LEAN act, a federal ruling, would mandate that restaurants with 20 or more stores nationwide provide nutrition information upon request — not necessarily posting the info in plain sight. In addition, having one standard, consistent ruling for ALL affected restaurants will be a lot easier and affordable than having to follow different legislation (especially for restaurants with stores in different areas).

There are groups and individuals who argue that in-plain-sight posting (which was originally detailed in the MEAL act, and was rejected) is the only effective way to make a public health impact; others feel that disclosure upon request is the responsibility of the restaurant, but the choice is up to the consumer. What do you think?

For more information about the different laws/acts, visit Welltech Bistro’s Menu Labeling Starter Kit page.