Friday, October 8, 2010

Menu Labeling? Huh?



It’s Wednesday afternoon, you and your favorite coworker are next in line at your favorite taco eatery ready to order your tortilla soup and a salad and you notice something is different. Right next to the menu item are the price and calories per serving. This my friend is called a Menu Label and was designed in an effort to combat obesity. In March 2010, the federal government enacted the Health Care Reform Act. In the Health Care Reform Act was a section on menu labling that mandate that food establishments with 20 or more location must post the caloric content next to the entrée item. By having this information readily available consumers such as you, are able to make informed choices about the food and beverages you purchase.

This piece of legislation is monumental in the prevention of the obesity especially in Texas-- a state that ranks 14 in the nation in terms of obesity. Locally, Harris County has an obesity rate of over 30% and it is constantly on the rise. With the new mandate in place consumers will be able to better gauge their energy needs. Take that information and pair it with exercise and Houston could quite possible become one of the healthiest cities in America in due time.

The next time you are at a restaurant prepared to order and you don’t see the amount of calories per serving make sure you ask your server. You have a right to know. Check please!!



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