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Sure, We Read the Calorie Charts—Then Eat More

Customers say they seek guidance from signs, but receipts tell a different story

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – A new study casts doubt on the effectiveness of calorie-counting charts in fast-food restaurants. Half of those surveyed in New York City say they noticed the charts, and about 28% say the information influenced their orders for the better. But a look at overall customer receipts shows people are ordering slightly more calories than they did before the signs went up in 2008.

“I think it does show us that labels are not enough,” the lead author of the study tells the New York Times.

The drive-thru menu of a McDonald's restaurant in Manhattan.
The drive-thru menu of a McDonald's restaurant in Manhattan.   (AP Photo)
A McDonalds drive-thru menu in New York printed with calorie counts for each food item.
A McDonalds drive-thru menu in New York printed with calorie counts for each food item.   (AP Photo)
A worker puts up new menus featuring calorie counts at a Subway restaurant in New York.
A worker puts up new menus featuring calorie counts at a Subway restaurant in New York.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Netstorm2k10
Oct 7, 2009 1:25 AM CDT
All this article did was make me hungry.
zackmasson
Oct 6, 2009 10:54 AM CDT
LOL, obviously most people who eat at fast food establishments don't give a shit about stuff like that. I eat fast-food maybe 10 times a year. And I can happily say im very healthy. If you eat at mcds often you have NO excuse. My aunt lives on fast food and her two girls are .... obese. I feel sorry for them.
Enoughie
Oct 6, 2009 6:29 AM CDT
Posting calories is not enough. They might as well tell you "you're fat" when you're ordering, it's not gonna make a difference. Here's an advice: if you care about your health or diet - don't go to fast-food restaurants!
 

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