Knowledge Is Power

Regardless of which side of the health reform debate you take, there is one positive change I think we can all agree is a step in the right direction. While this hasn't been talked about as much as pre-existing conditions or insurance caps, the health care bill calls for chain restaurants to post calorie counts on their menus.

Here's an excerpt with more information from Fast Food Maven:

A little-known provision within the Health Care Reform Bill is a mandate for menu labeling at chain restaurants across the nation.  Passed by the House of Representatives on Sunday, the bill requires restaurants with 20 units or more to provide calorie information on menu boards. Vending machines will also be required to post calorie counts.

The national mandate would pre-empt existing legislation, including California’s current menu labeling law. By Jan. 1, 2011, the state law will force restaurants with 20 or more units to post calorie information on their menus and indoor menu boards. The National Restaurant Association, which expressed concern over the health-care provisions of the main bill, said Monday that it approves national standards for menu labeling. Chain restaurants in California must provide nutritional brochures.

“This legislation will replace a growing patchwork of varying state and local regulations with one consistent national standard that helps consumers make choices that are best for themselves and their families,” said Dawn Sweeney, president of the association, a lobbying group for the restaurant industry.

Some restaurants are already making the switch, including Panera Bread. The chain recently announced plans to install new menu board with calorie counts in all company-operated units by next month. As of July 2009, chain restaurants in California must offer diners nutritional brochures.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not thrilled about the idea of knowing how many calories I'm about to subject my body to before inhaling a cheeseburger, but I do think just having the information available will increase awareness and get people to make smarter decisions. Case in point, when going to Panera, I usually opt for the Sierra Turkey sandwich.  After all, how bad can a turkey sandwich be? Well, I'm a sucker because the Sierra Turkey has around 1,000 calories. For comparison purposes, a Big Mac has only 700 calories. Holy.crap. I looked up the Panera nutritional facts, and it turns out that a much better choice would be a roast beef sandwich or a turkey panini. Good to know!

I think this is a really positive move and one that will greatly benefit the American public. Knowledge is power, friends :)

Ok, stepping off my soap box now.

xoxo,
Olivia