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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2009 NEW LAW WOULD INFORM CUSTOMERS, COMBAT OBESITY |
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American Cancer Society, Panera Bread Join Chorus of Support, LBANY, NY (July 28, 2009) – Do you know how many calories are in your favorite fast-food lunch? Most people don’t, but Albany County residents will soon know the answers to these questions and more if a new proposal is adopted by the county legislature. Albany County Legislator Tim Nichols is proposing a calorie-labeling bill requiring all chain restaurants in the county to list the calorie content of menu items. The move is aimed at combating obesity in adults and children as well as improving the health of Albany County residents. |
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s nationwide. Supporters believe such information, clearly displayed at the point of decision, would allow consumers in Albany County to make informed choices for a growing part of their diets. The local bill would take effect in six months. At least one chain affected by the measure is voicing their support for the plan. Panera Bread, recently named the “#1 Healthiest for Eating on the Go" by Health Magazine, provided space at their newest bakery-cafe at 65 Wolf Road for the press event this morning to announce the bill. “In bakery-cafes where local legislation has required that this information be posted, we have basically seen no reaction from customers other than appreciation for the information,” said Jim Lyon, Joint Venture Partner, Panera Bread. “In fact, the reaction to the labeling has been so positive that we’re considering how to provide the information more broadly. In terms of impact, we haven’t seen a change to our overall units from the menu labeling. Not surprisingly, we have seen some people shift away from a few higher calorie items to lower calorie items, but that’s the beauty of our menu.” Local health groups including the American Cancer Society are applauding the proposal. Obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition are major risk factors for cancer, second only to tobacco use. Approximately one-third cancer deaths in the US this year can be attributed to poor diet, physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity. “It’s a simple and proven idea – informed consumers make better choices,” said Diana Martin, regional vice president of the American Cancer Society. “Posting caloric information in a visible location at chain restaurants will give families the chance to see how many calories are in the foods they are eating. Grocery shoppers have this option with products that line supermarket shelves; and consumers deserve to have the same information available in chain restaurants.” “We congratulate Legislator Tim Nichols and the entire Albany County Legislature for tackling the issue of calorie labeling at chain restaurants," said Nancy Huehnergarth, director, New York State Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Alliance (NYSHEPA). "The proposed law does not tell diners what to eat, nor does it take away choices. Rather, it empowers people by providing them with the facts, at point of purchase - for example, when they see that Pizzeria Uno's Individual Chicago Classic Pizza, which serves one, has 2,310 calories, they can make an informed decision that will affect their long-term health.” Albany Leadership Board President of the American Diabetes Association and head of endocrinology at Albany Medical College Dr. Matthew Leinung said: “The American Diabetes Association supports this legislation, which would build upon the success New York City has found in providing calorie information at chain restaurants. Patrons are making healthier choices there, and restaurants are choosing healthier ingredients to lower their now visible calorie counts. With diabetes affecting 1.5 million citizens in New York State and related medical costs surpassing $8 billion annually, it is truly imperative to pursue such common sense, low cost efforts as part of a multi-pronged approach to improving the public’s health. Albany County should certainly be at the forefront of this effort.” “Heart disease remains New York and the nation’s No. 1 killer and if we are going to combat this, we must look at ways to stop the obesity crisis. Obesity by itself increases the risk of heart disease and unfortunately, this increased risk of cardiovascular disease begins early in life. For the first time in history, today's children are predicted to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents, said Steve Cameron, spokesman for the American Heart Association and Director of Cardiac Services for St. Peter’s Hospital. “Albany County’s legislative proposal requiring calorie counts to be posted in chain restaurants is an important first step in fighting the obesity epidemic and empowering county residents to make healthier food choices.” “The New York State Academy of Family Physicians, which represents over 4,300 family physicians, residents and students, commends Albany County legislator Tim Nichols and his colleagues for making the reduction and prevention of obesity a strong priority through the introduction of Local Law B. Our members are deeply concerned about the increased prevalence and severity of childhood, adolescent and adult obesity in our State. This proposal to require chain restaurants to disclose the calorie content of food and beverages sold will significantly improve the ability of New Yorkers to make informed decisions about meal choices when they eat out. Providing consumers with this information is critical to help to turn the tide on the very serious obesity epidemic in Albany and across our State,” said Vito Grasso, Executive Vice President of the Academy. Chain restaurants provide standardized menu items that are relatively consistent from location to location, which makes implementation of this legislation unobtrusive. What’s more, Americans get 30% of their total calories from eating out. Research from New York City shows that consumers, when provided calorie information, consume between 50 and 100 fewer calories in a typical meal. That can add up to over 4 pounds a year. Similar legislation is in effect in New York City and Westchester County; and has passed and is awaiting implementation in Ulster County and Suffolk County NY. It also is in effect in Seattle, Portland OR, Nashville and Philadelphia. Numerous localities have passed similar measures across the country. In NYC, fast food customers who saw calorie information displayed purchased 52 fewer calories than those who didn’t see the information. ### About the American Cancer Society |
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After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.