Calorie Counting in NYC

Posted on November 5, 2009
Filed Under Legislation, Public Health Policy |

New York City was the first city in the United States to legally require caloric content to be posted clearly next to menu item prices in chain restaurants.  Since this “ground-breaking calorie labeling law” was passed, 16 states and localities have passed similar laws.  Two recent studies reported findings that contradict one another.  However, the discrepancies are due to variations in study focus and size.

The first study focused on low-income, minority neighborhoods.  Researchers assessed the effect of calorie labeling on individuals purchasing chain food within these neighborhoods.  The results of the low-income neighborhood study show that the calorie labeling law had no effect on the meals purchased at chain restaurants.  “We looked at a population that’s much more price sensitive, so calorie information could have taken a backseat to pricing in our group,” said Brian Elbel, assistant professor of medicine and health policy at New York University School of Medicine and author of the study.  Elbel also noted that he would have liked to have seen a larger impact on this population because obesity rates tend to be higher within the low-income, minority neighborhoods.

The health department’s study assessed the effect of the calorie labeling law on a citywide level.  The results of this study showed little change in the amount of calories purchased at 8 of 13 chain restaurants surveyed.  People purchased fewer calories at Au Bon Pain, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s and Starbucks. Despite the lack of change among the majority of chain restaurants, there were two interesting findings.  First, the amount of calories purchased at Subway has increased significantly.  Researchers attributed the increase to the ongoing “$5 footlong” sandwich promotion. Secondly, the number of calories purchased at coffee shops decreased by nearly 10 percent.  In 2007, the average amount of calories purchased at coffee shops was 260.  Now, the calorie average is down to 237 calories.

Among chain restaurant customers, only 56% said they noticed the calorie information posted with the prices.  An even smaller number, 15%, used the calorie information when deciding what to order.  On average, the 15% of individuals that take the calorie information into account purchased 106 fewer calories than consumers who did not notice or use the calorie information.  “Dietary changes come slowly,” said Dr. Lynn Silver, an assistant commissioner in the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, while explaining the results.

Commentary: Although New York City’s calorie labeling law has not achieved significant results in reducing caloric consumption throughout the city and within low-income, minority neighborhoods, the law has made an impact in a short amount of time.  This law was the first of its kind, and it is promising to see that 16 other states and localities have followed in New York City’s footsteps.  Further, the 10 percent decrease in the amount of calories ordered at coffee shops is a step in the right direction.  Many of the calories that people overlook are liquid calories, such as those found in flavored lattes and blended coffee drinks.  Unfortunately, the results from the low-income neighborhood study show that caloric content is less influential than lower prices.  In order to decrease caloric intake in low-income neighborhoods, healthy foods need to be more affordable and available.  Despite these challenges, the law is still young and could make a larger impact in the years to come.

The New York Times, November 2, 2009

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