Shocking Results from a Study Looking at Restaurant Nutrition Labeling

According to a Study published in the Journal of the American Dietetics Association, researchers found that some restaurants' side dishes contained more calories than stated by the nutrition label.

Background on the study:

• took place in Boston
• Quick serve and sit-down restaurants that can be found throughout the USA were looked at
• The nutrition and calorie content was analyzed and compared with the nutrition information stated by the vendors.
• Restaurant menu items were chosen based on 3 criteria:
• Must have at least 500 calories/ serving
• Be typical American foods
• Be among those foods on the menu with the lowest stated energy contents.

Results:

• Calories of 29 restaurant foods were actually 18% more calories than stated
• 7 restaurant foods double the stated calorie amount 
• 5 restaurants provided free side dishes
• These sides averaged 470 calories per side dish
• The sides had more calories than the entrees they came with (which averaged about 440 calories).

The problem:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows up to 20% excess calorie content but weight must be no more than 99% of the stated value.

Meaning, food manufacturers might add more food to their packages in order to meet the weight standards which in-turn increases the actual calorie content beyond what was originally stated.

What do I recommend?
Portion control- Eat according to the plate method and/ or do not exceed My Pyramid recommendations.
Use common sense when ordering at restaurants, and try to eat only half.

• Eating less processed and pre-packaged foods
• Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables
• Cooking and preparing your own meals with wholesome ingredients
• Limit how often you eat out to once per week.

This blog was adapted from an article in the ADA times, Winter 2010, pg 9