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September 30, 2008
How Many Calories Can a McDonald French Fry Have?
"Chain restaurants in California will have to display calorie counts with each menu item -- the first state law of its kind in the nation -- under legislation that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to sign today," reports the LA Times today about a bill by Valley Assemblyman Alex Padilla who says "the way Californians order food is about to change. All Californians will soon be empowered with reliable, accessible nutrition information... that will help them make more informed, healthier choices." The law begins July 1, 2009 for restaurants with 20 or more locations within the state.
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Finally, some more information for me to ignore.
It makes me wonder. How often do people go out to eat because they want to eat "healthy"? I don't think I've ever actually witnessed such a thing. The opposite, in fact.
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This is sooo going to ruin my experience at Winchell's Donuts.
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this is really a great idea. for those who have NEVER thought of thinking about what they put in their bodies, now that information will be readily availible. I have a feeling over the years we'll see lesser cases of Diabetes in L.A.
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Great, just watch as the food chains find ways to reduce calorie counts, to make the numbers look better, and raise carbohydrate and fat counts in the process.
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I was thinking the same thing atwatervillagenewbie.
Also - are they going to post this info on the drive thru menu boards? Would be funny if after all this hoopla that they forgot to make that part of the rule.
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For those who travel, and therefore cannot cook their own meals, this is an excellent idea. I much prefer my own cooking, but when traveling this is impossible.
I never quite know what I'm consuming no matter how good it tastes. If you don't want the information, by all means, don't read it.
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Speaking of "don't read it" -- do you think they're gonna have to put the calorie count in braille? Blind people gotta eat too!
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"Great, just watch as the food chains find ways to reduce calorie counts, to make the numbers look better, and raise carbohydrate and fat counts in the process." -atwatervillagenewbie
This statement lacks some basic understanding of how nutrition works. Carbs and fat add calories. You cannot remove "calories" (which are not a material thing but a measurement of energy) and hide them in carbs and fat, since carbs and fat both contain calories (energy).
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I have a lot of dining choices around my office, but lament the lack of healthy options. I cook my own (organic, local, vegetarian) meals at home, but can't always bring leftovers for lunch. And on "school days" I'm out of the house from 7:30am to 10:30pm. Hopefully this will allow restaurants to embrace a few healthier options.
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As a New Yorker who has seen this in effect in NYC it leads to a sobering view on some of my favorite items. I went to a resutrant and ordered a brownie sundae and then looked at the calorie count: 1300 calories! I nearly vomited and then couldn't make myself eat more than two bites.
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GarySe7en, it is true that you can't remove calories but what you can do is make a smaller serving size (for the same price of course) which "tricks" the buyer into thinking the food is healthier than it actually is. I think that's what Atwatervilliagenewbie was hinting at...