NEWS HIGHLIGHT
Calorie counts are coming to B.C. restaurants
The restaurant industry is partnering with
the province of British Columbia to give restaurant customers with the
information they need to make healthy choices when eating out.
Aug. 11, 2011, Victoria – The restaurant industry is partnering with
the province of British Columbia to give restaurant customers with the
information they need to make healthy choices when eating out.
The $1.9 million Healthy Families BC – Informed Dining program will
provide diners with nutrition information (similar to what is currently
found on packaged foods) before or at the point of ordering in the
restaurant. Information may be provided on a brochure, a menu insert or
poster.
“Knowledge is power. By providing nutrition information – especially
calorie and sodium information – in restaurants, we are able to help
make the healthy choice the easy choice for British Columbians and their
families,” said Minister of Health Michael de Jong.
Participating restaurants will add the Informed Dining program logo and a
statement on their menu or menu board, letting customers know that
nutritional information for all standard menu items is available upon
request.
Calorie and sodium content will be highlighted, and restaurants must
also include information on daily sodium and calorie requirements.
Customers will then be able to make informed choices when choosing meals
for themselves or their children.
“We all have a responsibility to contribute to the health of the next
generation. I am very pleased that we are able to work with the province
to promote good health and provide options and information for our
customers,” said Ian Tostenson, CEO and president of the BCRFA.
It is estimated that Canadians currently purchase one in ten meals or
snacks from a restaurant. By providing nutrition information in
restaurants, customers can make decisions that will help to promote
healthy weights and prevent high blood pressure and chronic illnesses
such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
The Informed Dining program is a component of the province’s Healthy
Families B.C. campaign to reduce obesity and prevent chronic diabetes.
It has been developed in collaboration with the Canadian Restaurant and
Foodservices Association (CRFA), the BC Restaurant and Foodservices
Association (BCRFA), the Heart and Stroke Foundation B.C. and Yukon,
chain and independent restaurant leaders and public health partners.
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