Will It Change How You Eat?

calorie

We are nearing the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 is bringing with it, new changes in how we order and eat in Ontario.

The Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015 come into force on January 1st, 2017 will require all foodservice operators with 20 or more locations in Ontario to display calorie information for all standard menu items.

Some foodservice chains have already launched these new menus...have you seen them?

Did it change your ordering decisions?

When it was once an easier, impulsive decision to share a full appetizer platter with a friend on a Friday night, it is now causes a hesitation and perhaps - a salad.

This is was the ultimate goal - to help Ontarians make healthier decisions when dining out.

This new Act doesn't just affect restaurants, but convenience stores, grocery stores, some public cafeterias and snack bars, cafés and movie theatres.

Printed menus, menu boards, labels and drive thru boards will be all changed to allow the space to list the calorie counts alongside each menu item.

The US had implemented similar rules since 2010 and finalized in 2014.

British Columbia introduced a similar program - but voluntary participation - in 2011.

It is, indeed, a new trend of menu transparency. Ultimately, customers will become more ware of what they eat or drink and where their food comes from.

Whether we, as consumers, agree with the new rules and seeing what we are consuming, our health is being put first.

This new Act is just one more step to helping us to streamline our eating decisions to hopefully become an overall healthier community.

I think it will take some strength and determination to keep ordering and eating the same way the next time you dine out in 2017.

I may not be sticking to a simple bowl of soup, but that side of order of wings may end up be replaced with a wrap.

...but we'll see...

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