TORONTO – Dietitians of Canada says that providing nutrition information in restaurants, including calorie and nutrient content of food served, is one step that may help promote healthier choices. However, a review of the evidence on this issue by Dietitians of Canada underscores the fact that there are no simple solutions to the complex issue of obesity prevention; a variety of approaches are needed. One such solution is to ensure that settings in which food choices are made, including restaurants and fast-food establishments, support healthy eating.

“One piece of information alone, such as calories on menus, cannot change the behaviour of a whole population, but it is a step towards creating an environment that makes healthier choices easier for consumers,” says Judy Sheeshka, registered dietitian and author of the evidence review titled “Does Menu Labelling Make a Difference to Consumers’ Choices?”

The literature shows that it may take a combination of events to motivate some people to consider changing their nutrition behaviours. In addition to nutrition labelling, other factors affecting food choices in restaurants, such as taste and price, need to be considered. The review of existing evidence points to the need to include an evaluation component as an integral element of validating this public policy measure.

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