As of last March, all chain restaurants had to post nutrition facts on the walls, visible to all customers. The hope was that through increased visibility of nutrition facts, people would begin to make healthier eating choices at fast-food restaurants. Nutritionist across the nation praised this new law and were very hopeful for the future.
Researches decided to do a study in New York city to follow the effects of the visible nutrition facts. The study focused on low-income and minority areas of New York. With the documented results of eating-habits before the nutrition facts were posted, the same researchers conducted an identical study after the nutrition fact visibility law was enacted. The results were disheartening. Only 9% of the people interviewed admitted to the nutrition facts altering their eating habits.
This was only a preliminary study. Hopefully future studies will bring back different results. Otherwise, new methods to advocate healthier eating habits will have to be addressed.
I wonder if literacy plays into this study's results? I'd like to see comparisons with results using the same nutrition facts posted in higher income areas to see if the message is being ignored or not understood.
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