What Every Philadelphian Should Know About Menu Labeling

What Every Philadelphian ShouldrnKnow About Menu Labelingrnupdated 1/12/10rn1. What is the Menu Labeling Ordinance?rnPhiladelphia's Menu Labeling Ordinance is a new law that requires chain restaurants and certain retail food establishments to post nutrition information for the food and beverages they sell.rnThe ordinance applies to menu boards (like those in fast food restaurants) as well as menus (like those in restaurants where you sit down).rn2. When does the ordinance go into effect?rnThe ordinance took effect January 1, 2010.rnAfter a grace period, the Department of Public Health will begin enforcing the ordinance: for menu boards, on February 1; for menus, on April 1.rn3. What food establishments are affected?rnFood establishments with 15 or more locations in the United States are required to have menu labels. The ordinance affects fast-food chains as well as some sit-down chain restaurants.rn4. Why is Philadelphia requiring nutrition on menu boards and menus?rnMenu labels that contain nutrition information can help people be more informed about what they are eating and drinking. This information can help them to make healthier choices when they order their food and drinks.rnOverweight and obesity is a growing public health crisis that affects states and localities across the country, including Philadelphia. Menu labeling is one way to educate people and help to address this crisis.rn5. Why should this matter to me?rnStudies show that most people don’t know the nutrition content of the foods they eat and the beverages they drink. For example, when people are asked to estimate the number of calories contained in their meals and snacks, they usually underestimate the true values.rnrnStudies also show that people will use nutrition information to make more informed choices when it is provided at the point of purchase. Providing basic nutrition information provides consumers with information to help them to make healthier menu choices.rn6. What type of nutrition information will I see?rnMenu boards, at the point of purchase, are required to post the total number of calories per item and the statement “Additional nutrition information for all menu items available upon request.”rnAll menus must include the following per food item: total number of calories, grams of saturated fat, grams of trans fat, grams of carbohydrates, milligrams of sodium as well as the statement “A 2,000 calorie daily diet is used as the basis for general nutrition advice; individual calorie needs, however, may vary.”rn7. What is a calorie and why does it matter?rnCalories provide a measure of how much energy you get from a serving of food. Current dietary guidelines recommend eating and drinking 2,000 calories per day. Many people consume more than they need without getting the proper nutrients for a balanced diet.rnTo maintain your body weight, the calories you consume in food and beverages must be balanced by the calories you use in normal body functions, daily activities and exercise.rnAlso remember that the number of servings you consume affects the number of calories you actually eat or drink (your portion amount).rn8. What is saturated fat and why does it matter?rnDiets high in saturated fat have been linked to coronary heart disease. Current dietary guidelines recommend consuming less than 10% of daily calories as saturated fat.rnAnimal fats (high-fat cheeses, high-fat cuts of meat, whole-fat milk and cream, butter, ice cream and ice cream products) are a main source of saturated fat.rnCertain plant oils also contain saturated fat. These are often added to commercially-prepared foods, such as cookies, cakes, doughnuts, and pies.rn9. What are trans fats and why does it matter?rnTrans fats are created during food processing when liquid oils are changed into solid fats — a process called hydrogenation. These partially-hydrogenated oils help to keep food fresh longer while on grocery shelves.rnrnThe problem is that these partially-hydrogenated oils contain trans fats, which can also increase low-density lipoprotein LDL-cholesterol and decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — risk factors for heart disease.rnCurrent dietary guidelines recommend keeping the amount of trans fat you consume as low as possible.rn10. What are carbohydrates and why does it matter?rnYour body uses carbohydrates (carbs) to make glucose. Glucose is the fuel that gives you energy and helps keep your body going. Your body can use glucose right away, or store it in your liver and muscles for when it is needed.rnCarbohydrates can be found in fruits; vegetables; breads, cereals, and other grains; milk and milk products; and foods with added sugars (e.g., cakes, cookies, and sugar-sweetened drinks).rnSome healthier foods are also higher in carbohydrates, including foods that provide dietary fiber, whole grains, and foods without added sugars.rn11. What is sodium and why does it matter?rnThe salt in our foods and table salt is made up of sodium and chloride. Too much sodium is bad for your health and can increase your blood pressure and risk for a heart disease, heart attack or stroke.rnCurrent dietary guidelines recommend that adults in general should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.rn12. Where can I get more information?rnFor more information about Philadelphia’s Menu Labeling Ordinance, please visit www.phila.gov/health or call (215) 685-5623. For more information about nutrition, please visit www.cdc.gov.rn13. How can I report a food establishment that does not have any menu labels?rnRemember that not all food establishments in Philadelphia are required to post nutritional information on their menus and menu boards. Only food establishments with 15 or more locations in the United States are required to have menu labels. Most restaurants in Philadelphia are not required to have menu labels.rnIf you still think a food establishment is not in compliance with Philadelphia’s Menu Labeling Ordinance, and you would like to report it, please call (215) 685-5623.