Chain Restaurants Required to Provide Calorie Information
Alexandria, VA (April 16, 2008) – The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds today’s federal court ruling upholding a New York City regulation that requires chain restaurants to provide the calorie content of foods on their menus and menu boards. This ruling came in response to a challenge to the regulation filed by the New York State Restaurant Association. The ADA appeared as an amicus curiae along with other public interest organizations and professors supporting the regulation.
“We strongly support the court’s ruling in favor of upholding this important measure to protect consumers,” said John Buse, MD, PhD, President, Medicine & Science, ADA. “If individuals are expected to make informed, healthy food choices, we must give them the nutritional tools they need to do so.”
“We know that frequent eating at restaurants is linked with obesity, and obesity is a significant contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes – the greatest public health epidemic of the 21st century. By requiring chain restaurants to provide calorie information, New York City is supporting residents in making changes in their diet, and in turn lowering their risk of type 2 diabetes,” said Buse. “Through this regulation, New York City is leading the charge in making sure that its citizens have important information to guide decision making.”
Diabetes is one of this nation’s most prevalent, debilitating, deadly and costly diseases. Nearly 21 million American children and adults live with diabetes, and another 54 million have pre-diabetes. According to the CDC, one in three Americans - and one in two minorities - born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime, if current trends continue. Last year alone, diabetes contributed to over 284,000 deaths.
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. To obtain a copy of the diabetes risk test or for more information about diabetes (in English or Spanish), please visit www.diabetes.org or call 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).
