Nutrition Labeling and Fast-Food Consumption

Mandatory nutrition labeling in fast-food restaurants may not impact food choices for adolescents, according to a recent study.

In an effort to combat obesity and educate consumers about food choices, mandatory nutrition labeling was initiated in New York City chain restaurants in 2008. Nutrition labels provide calorie content for each menu item.

Researchers from New York University assessed receipt and survey data for 349 adolescents and children from low-income areas in New York City and Newark, NJ. McDonald's®, BURGER KING®, Wendy's® and KFC® were among the restaurants studied. The researchers evaluated data before and after nutrition labeling was initiated in New York City. The information from Newark was included for comparison purposes as calorie content was not available in Newark restaurants during this study.

The researchers found no significant difference in food choices before and after the nutrition labels were posted. While 57 percent of adolescents reported that they were aware of the nutrition labels, only nine percent claimed to consider the information before ordering. Furthermore, 72 percent reported that the taste of the food was their main concern.

The authors concluded that providing nutrition labels in fast-food restaurants may not affect the food choices for adolescents in low-income neighborhoods. Due to the small sample size, additional research is necessary to further evaluate these results.

For more information about nutritional needs, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

References
1.Elbel B, Gyamfi J, Kersh R. Child and adolescent fast-food choice and the influence of calorie labeling: a natural experiment. Int J Obes (Lond). 2011 Feb 15. View Abstract
2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com

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