Calorie Counts Serious Business in the Big Apple

Many chain restaurants operating in New York City are mandated by a new law to post calorie counts alongside prices on their menus or they risk fines that range from $200 to $2,000. The calorie-count law took effect in May but city officials allowed a grace period from fines for noncompliance until this past Friday, July 18.

The law is opening eyes to the extremely high calorie count in some of America’s favorite foods and has raised the ire of the state’s restaurant association. The law affects all restaurant chains that have 16 or more outlets anywhere in the nation, or about 10% of all restaurants in the Big Apple. This 10% represents more than 2,000 individual establishments.

The average adult needs approximately 2,000 calories per day, with minor adjustments allowed for level of physical activity and other extenuating circumstances, although these exceptions apply to only a small percentage of the general population.

Two industry giants, McDonald’s and Burger King, both received citations but no fines on the first day the law went into effect in May. Calorie counts posted on Friday at McDonald’s reveal a Big Mac contains 540 calories and an Angus mushroom and Swiss burger contains 820. A Burger King meal consisting of a Whopper with cheese, french fries, and a soft drink tips the caloric scale at a whopping 1,260, more than half a full day’s calorie needs, when ordered as is from the menu. Extra cheese and extra fries push the calorie count for that same meal to 1,720.

The calorie-count law was originally slated to become effective in April but was delayed until May, after the New York State Restaurant Association filed an injunction in federal court to extend the no-fine period beyond July 18. The association’s request was denied. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, commissioner for the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, says it isn’t that the association is opposed to calorie counts, it’s just that the association doesn’t like “the way” the new law has been handled. The squabbling will continue, however, since association has filed an appeal to the original court ruling.

On Friday, responses from restaurant patrons ranged from scary, in regard to the high number of calories in familiar foods, to Big Brotherish. Others said the knowledge of what, exactly, they are eating may lead to altered menu choices.

Source: NYT

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