Nine out of 10 people underestimate the number of calories in less-healthy items by an average of more than 600 calories
Menu Labeling
Menu Labeling
Why it matters: Nine out of 10 restaurant goers underestimated the calories of less-healthy food items by, on average, more that 600 calories—that’s more than a person should eat at an entire meal. Adults eating at fast-food restaurants consume 205 more calories than those who don’t, which is contributing to the obesity epidemic and the explosion of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. But if consumers see calorie information as they order their food, studies show that they eat fewer calories—up to 100 calories less, which can make a real dent in the obesity epidemic.
How we did it: Upstream spearheaded the effort to bring menu labeling to Oregon in 2007. Working through the ONPA, we helped get Multnomah County to pass an order in July 2008 requiring the posting of calories on menus at all fast food and chain restaurants with more than 15 outlets across the nation. In 2009, we took this same initiative to the state legislature, where it passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate and was signed into law by the Governor.
"Smart policy making, at its foundation, includes diverse, strategic coalition members that bring a spirit of openness and collaboration to the table."