Health advocates cheer menu labeling rule

The American Heart Association applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s new menu labeling rules released Tuesday.

“While eating out, getting a to-go meal, or grabbing a snack from a machine may save us time, it usually doesn’t shrink our calorie intake,” CEO Nancy Brown said in a prepared statement.

{mosads}“Research indicates we underestimate the calories in the foods and drinks we choose and, as a result, consume more than we need. The larger portions on our plate served by restaurants also can lead to overconsumption. This not only causes obesity, but puts us at risk for cardiovascular disease and an early death.”

The rules, a provision of ObamaCare, require restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and vending machines to list the total number of calories in prepared food and drink items they sell and will be expanded to include entertainment venues. The rule does not apply to custom-made food and drink items or to retailers will fewer than 20 locations.

“Armed with this nutrition information before they take their first bite, Americans can make the best food and drink choices to build a healthier life free of heart disease and stroke,” Brown said.

“We applaud the FDA for releasing these new rules and look forward to seeing them put into practice.”