Menu Labeling Doesn’t Influence Eating Behavior

New research published in the February issue of the American Journal for Preventive Medicine suggests a 2009 mandatory menu labeling law in Seattle that requires restaurant chains with 15 or more locations to disclose calorie information at the point of purchase do not change consumer’s behaviors when it comes to choosing fast-food items.

Researchers at Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate Medical School and the public health department of Seattle and King County found, in the 13 months after the legislation went into effect, food-purchasing behavior at the Taco Time locations in King County was identical to that in Taco Time locations where menu boards remained unchanged.

"Given the results of prior studies, we had expected the results to be small, but we were surprised that we could not detect even the slightest hint of changes in purchasing behavior as a result of the legislation," said lead author Eric Finkelstein, PhD, associate professor of health services at Duke-NUS. "The results suggest that mandatory menu labeling, unless combined with other interventions, may be unlikely to significantly influence the obesity epidemic."

As part of health care reform, the federal government plans to initiate a nationwide launch of mandatory nutrition information at the point of purchase for fast-food chains with 20 or more outlets.

Finkelstein said that the lack of effects at Taco Time may be because the restaurant was already identifying the healthier options via "Healthy Highlights" logos on the menu board before the legislation went into effect.

"A simple logo identifying which foods are healthiest may be all it takes to convey that information to those consumers who wish to choose a healthier alternative," he said. "The additional information appears not to have made a difference."

Finkelstein pointed out that the obesity epidemic continued to increase after the nutrition facts panel was required nationally for pre-packaged foods. He suggested that further studies should be done to quantify which sources of information are most likely to encourage consumers to switch to healthier options.

Sources:

* Duke School of Medicine: Mandatory Menu Labeling Didn't Change Behavior at One Fast Food Chain