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Researchers from Tufts University in Boston recently conducted a survey to measure the overall accuracy of restaurant-stated calorie contents of food items. Analysis of food from 42 quick-serve and sit-down restaurants in 3 states (Arkansas, Indiana and Massachusetts) found, overall, that the stated calories of items on the menus of the restaurants are accurate, although there was substantial inaccuracy for some individual foods.
40% of the food items had measured energy contents of at least 10 kcal (calories)/portion higher than the stated energy contents. 52% had measured energy contents at least 10 kcal (calories)/portion lower than the stated energy contents. 19% of foods contained greater than 100 kcal (calories)/portion more than the stated energy contents.
“We are pleased that the research published today shows that on average, the stated calorie content for restaurant food is accurate,” stated Joy Dubost, Ph.D., R.D., Director of Nutrition and Healthy Living at the National Restaurant Association .
The researchers found significantly greater variability in the discrepancy between the stated and measured energy contents in all foods from sit-down restaurants compared with all foods from quick-serve restaurants, citing greater difficulties in controlling portion size as a possible reason.
“Restaurant food is hand prepared, which can create some variation, but this study shows that variance in caloric information to be small in most cases. With the new menu labeling law, we know that many restaurant chains are looking at tighter kitchen quality control standards, from the weight of the meals to the package sizes used for takeout,” Dubost remarked.
The National Restaurant Association led the way in ensuring calories would be listed on the menu and will continue to work with restaurant members in ensuring the information provided is useful to consumers. The national organization is also partnering with several organizations to help expand the set of tools available for nutrition analysis.
The full study appeared in the July 20, 2011 issue of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.
For more information on menu labeling and nutrition disclosure, visit the National Restaurant Association website: http://www.restaurant.org/foodhealthyliving/ |
