Calorie labeling and food choices: a first look at the effects on low-income people in New York City.
We examined the influence of menu calorie labels on fast food choices in the wake of New York City's labeling mandate. Receipts and survey responses were collected from 1,156 adults at fast-food restaurants in low-income, minority New York communities. These were compared to a sample in Newark, New Jersey, a city that had not introduced menu labeling. We found that 27.7 percent who saw calorie labeling in New York said the information influenced their choices. However, we did not detect a change in calories purchased after the introduction of calorie labeling. We encourage more research on menu labeling and greater attention to evaluating and implementing other obesity-related policies.
Elbel
Brian
B
Division of General Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York City, USA. brian.elbel@nyumc.org
Kersh
Rogan
R
Brescoll
Victoria L
VL
Dixon
L Beth
LB
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002149:Energy Intake; D057140:Fast Foods; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005518:Food Preferences; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012147:Restaurants / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*