Nutrition Labeling at Chain Restaurants

In October 2006, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors directed Contra Costa Health Services to research policies for providing nutritional information at chain restaurants with 20 or more locations nationally. This was one of ten directives the Board adopted to address the childhood obesity epidemic inContra Costa County. In Contra Costa, about 31% of fifth grade children are overweight and at higher risk for long term, chronic diseases.

Nutrition Labeling on Packaged Foods

Since 1994, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) has required food manufacturers to provide nutrition information on nearly all packaged foods. Research shows that 75% of consumers read food labels when purchasing packaged foods. The law, however, explicitly exempts restaurants.

Americans Eat Out More than Ever Before

Today, we spend almost half of our food budget (46%) on away-from-home foods (foods that are either eaten in a restaurant or prepared outside the home). We eat about one third of our calories at restaurants and other food-service establishments.

Today, we eat more calories than we did 20 years ago. Research shows that eating out is a possible cause. Children eat almost twice as many calories when they ear a meal at a restaurant (770 calories) compared to at home (420 calories).

Away-from-Home Foods

Away-from-home foods generally have more calories, more fat and less nutrients than home-prepared foods. Most of us do not know this and underestimate the calories we are consuming away from home.

Studies show that people tend to eat larger quantities of food when they are served more. Fast food restaurant pricing can make large serving sizes more economical and appealing.

Nutritional Info for Away-From-Home Foods

Fewer than one half of the largest chain restaurants provide any nutrition information about their foods to their customers. Much of this information is difficult to read and is not available at the point of sale.

A recent study found that people ordered fewer high calorie entrees when nutrition information was added to the menu.

Informed Choice

Studies show that most people, even trained dieticians, underestimate the calorie content of restaurant meals. With today's soaring rates of adult and childhood obesity, families should know what they are eating when they choose to eat away from home. Most adults don't want to be told what they should eat, but they do want and need to make food choices for themselves and their children based on clear and easy to understand information.

Public Health Approach

The field of public health is addressing today's obesity epidemic on many levels, from direct services like providing clinics for overweight and at-risk children, to community education like campaigns to promote physical activity.

Another focus of public health is promoting policies and practices that support good health and prevent obesity. Contra Costa Health Services Public Health Division is interested in the practice of menu labeling at chain restaurants as a way to support a healthier food environment, and thereby to reduce and prevent obesity.

Senate Bill 120

California Senate Bill 120, introduced by Senator Padilla from Los Angeles, would require chain restaurants to provide nutritional information on menu boards and printed menus. Information would include the numbers of calories, saturated and trans fat, carbohydrates and sodium. Senator Kuehl will chair the hearing on SB 120 in the Senate Health Committee on March 14.

Model Menu: Dinner House Restaurant Starters & Snacks

Spicy Buffalo Wings
Tossed in our hot or mild Buffalo sauce.
Served with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
1,010 cal. 22g sat fat, 2,460 mg sodium $6.99

Fried Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella cheese lightly breaded and deep fried.
Served with marinara sauce.
830 cal. 28g sat fat, 1,890 mg sodium $5.99

Blooming Onion
A whole onion, cut like a flower, battered
and golden fried. Served with zesty dipping sauce.
2,130 cal. 57g sat fat, 3,840 mg sodium $6.99

Stuffed Potato Skins
Large potato shells fried golden brown,
filled with Jack and Cheddar cheese, crisp
smoked bacon, green onions, parsley and sour cream.
1,260 cal. 48g sat fat, 1,300 mg sodium $6.69

Cheese Fries
French fries smothered in cheese, sprinkled
with bacon and served with ranch dressing.
3,010 cal. 91g sat fat, 4,890 mg sodium $6.99

Prepared March 2, 2007 by the Community Wellness & Prevention Program Adapted from "Anyone's Guess: The Need for Nutrition Labeling at Fast-Food and Other Chain Restaurants" , Center for Science in the Public Interest, November 2003.

Content provided by the Nutrition, Physical Activity and Food Security Project under The Community Wellness & Prevention Program of Contra Costa Health Services.