Rationale and evidence for menu-labeling legislation

Am J Prev Med. 2009 Dec;37(6):546-51. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.07.015.

Abstract

Menu-labeling legislation is a proposed public health intervention for poor diet and obesity that requires chain restaurants to provide nutrition information on menus and menu boards. The restaurant industry has strongly opposed menu-labeling legislation. Using scientific evidence, this paper counters industry arguments against menu labeling by demonstrating that consumers want chain restaurant nutrition information to be disclosed; the current methods of providing nutrition information are inadequate; the expense of providing nutrition information is minimal; the government has the legal right to mandate disclosure of information; consumers have the right to know nutrition information; a lack of information reduces the efficiency of a market economy; and menu labeling has the potential to make a positive public health impact.

MeSH terms

  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Food Labeling / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Assessment*
  • Public Health
  • Restaurants / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • United States