Those who enjoy eating out may have spotted a change to the menus in many restaurants. Legislation that was passed a year ago made it mandatory for any food business with over 250 employees to display calorie information on food labels and menus.
The law, that was made mandatory on April 6, means that restaurants with over 250 employees require that those who don't can be fined. The government stated that the law plans to "help the public to make healthier choices when eating out".
Last year when the plans were announced, then-public health minister, Jo Churchill said: "Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for people to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families, both in restaurants and at home. That is why we want to make sure everyone has access to accurate information about the food and drink we order".
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However, there has been mixed reactions from both restaurants and the public. Many are deeming the menu move unnecessary and Bristol restaurant chain Loungers has agreed.
Speaking to Bristol Live, the chains managing director Justin Carter said: "We've had no pushback or complaints from customers as of yet, it will be interesting to see how people react to it. I think the majority of people won’t bat an eye but it’ll be interesting to see if it will change our sale mix." However, he is open to the fact that this may change.
He continued to explain that his research of enforcement of the rule in other countries has showed that there hasn't been much of impact and that customers soon adjust to the change.
Mr Carter also shared frustrations at the inaccuracy of the measure and what it is trying to promote. "Our frustration with it is that it’s a very imperfect measure of nutritional value and so you can have two dishes that are very similar in terms of calorie count but one is better for you than another.
"At the moment we always when possible try to make our food as healthy as we can but there are also a few things in our menus that are relatively unhealthy; like burgers and fried chicken can be regarded as unhealthy but - when eaten as part of a balanced diet they are not.
"We have two dishes around 1000 calories, one being buttermilk fried chicken, which is delicious, but is fried in the deep fried is is high in calories but, measuring the same in calories is our haloumi and falafel salad; which has quinoa and leaves and pomegranate and is good plant based food. It concerns us that you have a lot of people that don’t have a particularly good understanding of nutritional content."
There has been widespread concern from the restaurant industry and the public alike about the impact of the menus displaying calories on those with eating disorders. Beat ED, an eating disorder charity, spoke on the new measures saying: "We’re extremely disappointed that the government is making calories on menus mandatory in England from April 6.
"We know it causes anxiety for people affected by eating disorders. We know it can increase fixations on restricting calories for anyone with anorexia or bulimia.
"We know it can increase feelings of guilt for anyone with binge eating disorder. And there’s very limited evidence that the legislation will improve our eating habits."
Mr Carter has said that the Loungers chain carries the same regards in that there are better ways to promote healthy eating than by displaying calories on menus. "It seems like lazy government as there are others things that they could do that would be more effective, such as looking at Henry Dimbleby's report or introducing sugar tax. But this is easier and won’t be as unpopular as other things."
However, Loungers has identified some positives in the situation. "We’ve actually recently started working with a nutritionist who looks at our menu from a different perspective and gives advice on how to make food healthier as well as delicious.
"This move wasn't pressing and wasn’t directly connected but there’s certainly some benefit about making restaurant businesses make their food more healthy without compromising the customer experience." Loungers also assure that they, like many other chains, will be offering menus that do not show calories.
Beat ED offer support to those who may find this new rule troubling, saying: "If you’re struggling to cope with the introduction of calories on menus, read our guide on dining out. You can also reach out for support 365 days a year through our helpline, online support groups and web chat."
