Your Favorite Restaurant Chains Now Have To Provide You With Calorie Counts

Each year, the subject of America and its obesity problem resurfaces and the conversations reignite. We debate, endlessly, whether obesity is actually a problem or just something we tell ourselves is a problem (it’s a problem). Despite the numerous studies that have been conducted to confirm the unhealthy nature in which Americans consume food, nutritionists’ opinions (based on said studies) are still seen as fake news to some. But most people are starting to change the way they look at food — for themselves, and for their families.

Starting last Monday (May 7th), eight years after Congress asked for it, restaurants and similar retail food establishments with 20 or more locations are required to to label all food with accurate calorie counts for a more transparent approach to the American nutrition crisis. This was a movement pushed forward by Obamacare. Additionally, an initiative to update nutrition labels (championed by Michelle Obama) is in process as well. Basically, what’s in our food is becoming more and more transparent.

Partial thanks goes out to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who is responsible for pushing this rule across the finish line. At a time when more than one in three adults in the U.S. is obese, Gottlieb says “national menu labeling could help make a big difference in America’s obesity rates.” It’s no question that these new menu labeling rules will improve public health, as it stretches past just fast food and sit-down restaurants. That’s right — it’s not just restaurant chains that are forced to be more transparent. Grocers, convenience stores, movie theaters and pizza delivery companies must also meet the same requirements.

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The question following both of these new feats is, will it result in people eating better? Many think so, mainly because in the last few years, restaurants like Maggiano’s and Panera Bread have already begun listing calories on their menus.

Just looked up the calorie count for the orange scone I just inhaled from Panera. Only 540. pic.twitter.com/7XMqhcYk7p

— Cara Giddens (@sneddigarac) April 14, 2017

Thank you Panera Bread, for displaying the calorie count on your pastries.

— M.F. (@jhawk6229) January 27, 2017

And in turn, many establishments have also been reducing calorie intake to promote a healthier lifestyle, making it easier to enjoy a meal at your favorite establishment without the guilt. However, Domino’s Pizza is one company that isn’t so on board with these new rules, stating that it’s an unnecessary cost and burdensome. While the pizza company states that they aren’t 100% against disclosure, they insinuate what a pain it will be to have to post the information on in-store menus when the vast majority of customers are ordering online or by telephone. “There are 33 million ways to sell a Domino’s Pizza, so coming up with a way to put calories in a menu for 33 million varieties is a little bit difficult,” -Domino’s CEO J. Patrick Doyle. Yes, that’s a great argument, guys.

This new calorie rule may seem small to some, but the impact that it’s inevitably going to make is exponential. So go out! Visit your favorite restaurant chains, go grocery shopping and utilize these new tools that will be shared in order to live a life without secrets (at least when it comes to food labels).