More Indications That Calorie Info Helps Those Who Know How to Use it
Posted October 27th, 2009 by Mark Foggin
A couple of weeks ago, we shared with you news of the results of an NYU study showing that calorie labeling has a modest effect, if any, on the food choices in lower income communities. On its heals, the NYC Health Department has just released the results of a RW Johnson Foundation-supported study showing modest decreases in the amount of calories purchased by those who said they paid attention to calorie information than those who didn't. In a pernicioius turn of events, though, many diners seem to be purchasing more calories overall in response to certain chains marketing campaigns. The bottom line: calorie information is just one part of the issue. Providing context for how to evaluate the number of calories--perhaps through mandated posters in restaurants (think: "Choking?") that show in simple, graphical terms how many calories typical adults and children should be consuming each day.
