One of the provisions in the health care reform legislation signed into law by President Obama back in March will require restaurants, food retail chains and vending machines to clearly mark the caloric value of each menu item within one year of the bill's passage.
Previously on Earth Eats: Health Care Bill Calls Out Chain Restaurants, Vending Machines
A Pacific Northwest fast food chain has gotten a head start on the new regulations and even goes a bit further with their new receipt system.
Burgerville has started providing calorie counts (as well as protein, fat and carb values) for the meals that customers have ordered right on their receipt.
The new policy will be implemented in all of their stores this week.
The receipt will not only tell customers how many calories is in their meal and what percentage of the recommended daily caloric value their burger and fries accounts for, but it will also make a lower calorie suggestion to the customer to aid them in their ordering choices on their next visit.
For instance, one receipt suggested trying a side salad with light ranch dressing instead of fries to save 250 calories.
What Do You Think?
Will printing more health information on receipts or fast-food menus help consumers make healthier food choices? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.