McDonald’s New Menu Includes Calorie Information, UK
The Department of Health announced today that starting this Wednesday, McDonald’s will be introducing calorie information to all of its menus in all of its 1,200 UK restaurants, to allow consumers to see calorie information of every article on their menu at a glance.
The labeling of all McDonald’s menu boards around the country will demonstrate the company’s commitment as part of the Responsibility Deal alongside other companies who have already signed up to the cause, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Pret a Manger and JD Wetherspoon who start to convert their menus in more than 5,000 high street food outlets by the end of this year.
The Responsibility Deal, a new method to address public health concerns, is the government’s answer of delivering faster and better results to improve public health, by working in partnership with the food and drinks industry instead of tying them up in red tape.
Research has proven that people’s awareness is raised and their choices are positively influenced when products are labeled with their calorie content displayed. With 3 million meals served daily, McDonald’s will have an immense impact on the high street allowing people to make healthier choices.
According to The Department of Health, as of next year, Greggs, Starbucks and Burger King outlets have also signed to pledge their commitment to the Out of Home calorie labeling cause.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley commented:
“One in six meals are now eaten outside the home and for those meals we often have no idea how many calories we are eating. That is why this is such a great achievement by the Responsibility Deal. It will help people spot those hidden calories in their favorite foods and keep an eye on their waistlines.”
In a statement Jill McDonald, CEO and President of McDonald’s UK said:
“In March we announced our intention to extend the communication of nutritional information to our customers to include displaying calories on our menu boards across the UK. This move, as part of the Public Health Responsibility Deal, supports the principles we believe are important: giving our customers clear information to help them make decisions that are right for them and provide a choice on our menu.”
Brian Waring, Vice President of Marketing & Category of Starbucks UK and Ireland added:
Susan Jebb, Chair of the Responsibility Deal Food Network added:
“This is an exciting time for our high street. McDonald’s, one of our largest restaurant chains, will now give every customer the information they need to make an informed choice about what they eat. I hope this example encourages other restaurants to introduce calorie labeling and makes people question what those without calorie labeling have got to hide.”
Written by Petra Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today