FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 01, 2014

Calorie totals are coming to vending machines, popcorn counters and restaurants so we can eat smarter

Federal officials will make it easier to see how many calories are in many snacks and meals we eat outside the home. Nutrition labels already are on food packages from stores, and starting next year the calorie count also must be on chain restaurant menus, in pizza parlors, on vending machine items and event at popcorn counters in theaters. Rules announced last week by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are intended to combat obesity (being too heavy) by showing how many calories are in popular foods.

Up to a third of the calories that Americans consume come from outside the home, and many health experts say that large portions and unhealthy ingredients contribute significantly to obesity in students and adults. The FDA two decades ago began requiring nutrition fact labels on packages to show total calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, natural sugar and added sugar. The new change expands the calorie-display rule to amusement parks, single-serving prepared dishes and beverages. It applies to food sellers with 20 or more outlets, including fast-food chains like KFC and Subway and restaurants like Applebee's and The Cheesecake Factory. It doesn't cover food trucks, ice cream trucks or meals on planes.

"While no single action can fix the obesity problem, the step we're taking . . . is a really important one for public health," says FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg. It affects an estimated 200,000 restaurants. McDonald's, Panera and a handful of others already list calories on their menu boards. Some business groups are grumbling. “This is going to take away from anything that's freshly made in the store because the costs involved will be so high," says an executive at the Food Marketing Institute, which represents grocers. "You're going to lose fresh choices." In contrast, the 7-Eleven convenience store company said last week: "Our customers want to know the information menu-labeling provides, and we will comply."

Health advocate says: "This is one of the most important public health nutrition policies ever to be passed nationally. Right now, you are totally guessing at what you are getting." -- Margo Wootan at the Center for Science in the Public Interest

Critic says: "Grocery stores are not chain restaurants. . . . We are disappointed that the FDA's final rules will capture grocery stores, and impose such a large and costly regulatory burden." – National Grocers Association

Senator says: "This rule . . . will help to protect and strengthen access to healthy, nutritious foods for families around the country." – Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa

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