Just a few weeks ago, independent researchers reported that New York City’s ground-breaking calorie labeling law had had absolutely no effect on the caloric content of meals bought at chain restaurants in poor neighborhoods. Last week, city health officials delivered a more upbeat assessment, saying New Yorkers ordered fewer calories at four chains — Au Bon Pain, KFC, McDonald’s and Starbucks — after the law went into effect last year.
The changes reported by the city health department’s preliminary data were modest, indicating little change either way in the number of calories bought at 8 of 13 chains surveyed, and a significant increase in calories ordered at Subway, which researchers attributed to a continuing $5 promotional special on footlong sandwiches that has tripled demand for them.
Although the findings of the two reports appear to contradict one another, researchers said differences in focus and size might explain the discrepancies.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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Knowledge does mean behavior change. Just look at the millions of people who still smoke despite overwhelming evidence that smoking increases the likelihood of cancer. Or people who don't wear helmets knowing full well a helmet could help prevent severe brain damage if an accident occurred.
ReplyDeleteSo now what? If posting nutritional information, even the strikingly high numbers of fat and calories doesn't prevent someone from ordering it, then what?