Leaders at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published their final implementation date for restaurants to label menus, allowing consumers to improve their food choices to decrease the risk of developing cancer.
“Thanks to the final menu labeling rule issued by the FDA and the newly released guidance on the implementation of the law, next year consumers will have more nutrition information than ever before at their fingertips when they purchase food and beverages from many of the nation’s chain restaurants, vending machines, convenience stores, supermarket cafes and other food establishments,” according to a statement from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
The new guidelines require restaurants and other eating establishments to give consumers calorie information for beverages and food that are ready to eat.
“With 20 percent of all cancers tied to poor nutrition, physical inactivity and excess weight, it is critically important that consumers have access to calorie and other nutritional information when eating out to help them make informed choices about the foods they eat,” according to the statement. “By making it easier for individuals to see which food and beverage options are the healthiest options on the menu, we can reduce a significant risk factor for cancer and other chronic diseases.”
The menu labeling must be complete by May 2017.
