In 2008, a poll found that only 15% of 900 New York residents could guess the lowest and highest caloric menu items of any chain restaurant. The same poll revealed only 10% of Washington and California residents could identify these items.
Over the past year, you have likely heard about California, New York and, more recently, Washington introducing legislation that requires restaurants with more than 20 outlets to post calories on menus. Unfortunately, there is no uniform presentation of nutrition information. New York requires posting of calories while Seattle expects calories, sodium, saturated fat and carbohydrates.
A menu labeling law could potentially be included in health reform legislation. It is expected to be discussed in congress over the summer. In response, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn) have introduced the Menu Education and Labeling Act (MEAL). This legislation would require a consistent national nutritional standard. In addition, it would provide a single set of guidelines for nutrition calculation and legally protect restaurants that follow the law.
The restaurant industry has also introduced LEAN, which is short for the Labeling Education and Nutrition Act. LEAN would also seek to override state and local standards already in effect and would prevent future regional criteria or standards.
Regardless of legislation, United Supermarkets and Market Street want to be a reliable source of nutrition information for you. Over the next few months, you will begin to see the nutrition facts for our prepared foods available. Many of our guests have requested this information and we are working hard to provide accurate and dependable nutrition facts. Our corporate chef is working feverishly in the kitchen whipping up new recipes to entice and delight you. Each new batch of recipes revealed will contain the nutrition information you need to continue Living Well.