Obesity is a major cause of worry in developed and developing countries and a drain to the health care system.  New York’s compulsory calorie label law, on the fast foods has made a difference. Read on to see how.

  Team@CMHF

New York City’s requirement that fast-food restaurants post calorie counts on menus led one in six customers to notice the information and buy foods with fewer calories, according to new research released on Tuesday.

“We’re optimistic, as calorie labels go national, and consumers become accustomed to using the information that chains will have a strong incentive to offer lower calorie options,” said Dr. Lynn Silver, director of New York City’s Office of Science and Policy and co-author of the report,.

Restaurant chains have begun to include lighter fare on their menus to help customers cut down on fat, sugar and sodium intake. The report cited examples at sandwich chain Cosi, which began using low-fat mayonnaise in its sauces, while coffee chain Starbucks made low-fat milk as its default and Applebee’s introduced a menu with dishes under 550 calories.
All of these changes came after the New York calorie label law came into effect, the study said.

Earlier this year, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, found New York City’s label law had little effect on the food children chose to order
While both studies focus on New York City’s 2008 law, people across the country are keeping a close eye on the results.

Ref: http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/07/27/us-calories-idINTRE76P7BL20110727