title: Menu labeling implementation in dine-in restaurants: the Public's knowledge, attitude and practices.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The practice of menu labeling is gaining popularity worldwide as a potential policy to reduce energy intake as a means to decrease the prevalence of obesity. So the purpose of the present study is to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults regarding the implementation of menu labeling in dine-in restaurants.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional survey included 2020 male or female adults (aged ≥ 18 years old) participants was collected from two cities in the United Arab Emirates(UAE). The participants filled a validated questionnaire in public places in two cities. A chi-squared test was conducted to compare responses for differences in proportions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most participants were knowledgeable about energy requirements for moderately active men (60%) and women (59%), but underestimated energy requirements for inactive adults (34%). The majority of the respondents favored the requirement to post calorie information on menus of dine-in restaurants at the point of purchase (76%). About half the respondents (48%) were more likely to visit restaurants with labeled menus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results from this study may form the basis for future strategies in mandating calorie labeling of restaurant menu items in UAE. Menu labeling may be a useful policy tool for promoting appropriate caloric consumption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences/Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, P. O Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Hadia
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-3930-2554
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Radwan
authors.affiliation: Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Eman M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Faroukh
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences/Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, P. O Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Reyad Shaker
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Obaid
keywords: Attitude; Knowledge; Menu labeling; Nutrition; Practice; Restaurants