|
The big problem with menu regulation is that the testing necessary for detailed nutritional information is expensive. It also precludes frequent menu changes as that would require relabelling, and requires absolute consistency in portion sizes or the restaurant opens itself up to lawsuits.
But why is it a relationship that requires government intervention? When I buy a package of Oreos it is very difficult to inquire as to what may be in the food I just purchased. But at a restaurant this is very easy.
If I don't want to eat foot with a lot of fat, just ask what is in the food and if they can't answer to your satisfaction, don't eat there. Frankly, if you need government mandated labelling to know that the 2-pound plate of fettucine alfredo at Olive Garden has a stupid amount of fat, calories, and sodium then it would be easier for the government ot just put you in an asylum for your own protection.
"Would you like some grated parmesan on your pasta? First I must inform you that it contains these 8 indredients, has 4 grams of fat per 1.5 cranks of the grater, 35 mg of sodium, 70 calories (35 of which are from fat), and I'm sorry but your food is now too cold to melt the parmesan so you probably should just pass on it. Would you care instead for some pepper which has 0 calories per twist of the pepper mill (0 calories is defined as less than 1 calorie per 5 grams), 0mg sodium (0mg calories is defined as less than 1mg per 50 grams), and 0mg fat (0mg fat is defined as less than 1mg per 50 grams). No? Then enjoy your meal, salt is on the table (contains a mix of sodium and potassium chloride; 0mg of sodium (0mg is defined as less than 1 gram per serving); serving size is one shake, approximately 0.75 grams."
|