Movie Popcorn Gets Pass: Calorie Count Stays Hidden

But FDA rules loom

(NEWSER) - The FDA's final decision on publishing movie theater calorie counts is looming, and theater owners are fighting tooth and nail. Final rules could come from regulators today, forcing theaters to disclose exactly how many calories are in those huge buckets of popcorn, oversized pretzels, and other prepared foods, just like restaurant chains are already required to do. But "we're not restaurants where people go to eat and satisfy themselves," says the counsel for one theater trade group. "It's dinner and a movie, not dinner at a movie." More»

Trains, planes, grocery stores must also post calories

(NEWSER) - There are some things you just don’t want to know … and the number of calories in that buttery movie popcorn you’re about to enjoy is probably one of them. Chain restaurants are already required to post calorie counts under the new health care law, and the FDA wants to require the same of other places that serve food—from airplanes to, yes, movie theaters, the Wall Street Journal reports. More»

(NEWSER) - Former Food and Drug Administration chief David Kessler thinks Americans are victims of “conditioned hyper-eating,” and he’s written a book about it: The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite. The Wall Street Journal poked him for some answers about how food can “hijack” our brains, and how cuisine—from snack food to restaurant fare—is designed to entice. More»

Step toward first FDA-approved diet drug in years

(NEWSER) - A federal panel's decision has brought us a step closer to the first FDA-approved prescription weight-loss drug in more than 10 years. Qnexa was earlier rejected by the FDA over possible safety risks, but the non-FDA panel found, by a vote of 20-2, that the drug's benefits outweigh such risks, the Wall Street Journal reports. The decision effectively urges FDA approval for sale; the agency will decide by April 17. More»

Senator Shcarles Schumer questions whether it's safe for kids

(NEWSER) - New York Sen. Charles Schumer isn't convinced inhalable caffeine is a good thing—at least not for kids, the AP reports. He has helped prod the FDA into investigating chapstick-sized caffeine inhalers called Aeroshots. The senator says his concern was prompted by incidents last year when students guzzled too many caffeinated alcoholic drinks for a quick buzz. Kids and teens "are particularly vulnerable to overusing a product," says Schumer. More»