Adding nutrition information to menus does not change consumer eating habits

With the growing concern of obesity and weight gain, many restaurants are adding nutritional and calorie information to menus. Experts suggest the addition of such information can help consumers make educated decisions about food choices and potentially improve the health situation in the United States.

After preliminary analysis, however, it appears as though adding nutrition information to menus does not serve a huge purpose or play a large role in a person’s eating choices.

The American Journal of Preventative Medicine performed an analysis of a Taco Time restaurant. More than one year after nutritional information was required on menus, consumer eating habits remain the exact same to those of Taco Time locations that do not have nutrition information on menus.

Expecting some change in habits, researchers were hoping that this method would offer some improvement to the growing health concerns.

Simply adding calorie information to menus does not appear to be enough. Without further learning tools, consumers will probably continue eating as they have been.

The Food and Drug Administration plans to release new information and requirements about labeling at fast-food restaurants.