Menu
08/12/2015
Calorie Count Scheme Must Be Made Compulsory - FG
A compulsory calorie count on menus is now needed following a low voluntary uptake by restaurants, Fine Gael's Catherine Noone has said.
The Senator and Dublin West candidate, highlighted an independent survey by the Department of Health which reveals just 7% of food businesses are providing the calorie count information on their menus on a voluntary basis.
"This is very disappointing, especially considering the fact that 95% of consumers in Ireland want the calorie count of meals displayed on menus," Deputy Noone said.
"The recent Healthy Ireland survey showed that 60% of Irish people are overweight, so this is clearly an area where action is needed and anything we can do to encourage healthy eating would be very welcome. We know, from experience in the United States, that calorie counting on menus is effective.
"I do know that this isn’t an easy change for businesses to make, but the Government is supporting them to introduce the initiative, including through the online calorie calculator provided by the Food Safety Authority.
"I very much welcome the fact that the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has already obtained Government approval to draft a Bill to make it compulsory for food outlets to display the calorie content of meals. The intention is to have this passed by the Oireachtas and enacted in 2016.
"I would encourage all restaurants to begin displaying calorie counts on their menus now. The public want it and we know it works, so why delay?"
(MH/CD)
The Senator and Dublin West candidate, highlighted an independent survey by the Department of Health which reveals just 7% of food businesses are providing the calorie count information on their menus on a voluntary basis.
"This is very disappointing, especially considering the fact that 95% of consumers in Ireland want the calorie count of meals displayed on menus," Deputy Noone said.
"The recent Healthy Ireland survey showed that 60% of Irish people are overweight, so this is clearly an area where action is needed and anything we can do to encourage healthy eating would be very welcome. We know, from experience in the United States, that calorie counting on menus is effective.
"I do know that this isn’t an easy change for businesses to make, but the Government is supporting them to introduce the initiative, including through the online calorie calculator provided by the Food Safety Authority.
"I very much welcome the fact that the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has already obtained Government approval to draft a Bill to make it compulsory for food outlets to display the calorie content of meals. The intention is to have this passed by the Oireachtas and enacted in 2016.
"I would encourage all restaurants to begin displaying calorie counts on their menus now. The public want it and we know it works, so why delay?"
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2015
Plans Approved To Post Calorie Count On Menus
The Cabinet has approved plans for all food service outlets to post the amount of calories of all meals on menus. The information is to be put alongside the price of all items offered on menus, at the point where the food is ordered, whether at tables or counters.
Plans Approved To Post Calorie Count On Menus
The Cabinet has approved plans for all food service outlets to post the amount of calories of all meals on menus. The information is to be put alongside the price of all items offered on menus, at the point where the food is ordered, whether at tables or counters.
04 July 2012
Health Minister Calls For Calorie Labelling On Menus
Food businesses will be given six months to voluntarily introduce calorie menu labelling, or else face the possible introduction of a compulsory scheme, Minister for Health James Reilly has said.
Health Minister Calls For Calorie Labelling On Menus
Food businesses will be given six months to voluntarily introduce calorie menu labelling, or else face the possible introduction of a compulsory scheme, Minister for Health James Reilly has said.
05 November 2014
Fine Gael Senator Calls For Calorie Labels On Alcohol
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has been urged to make calorie labelling mandatory on alcoholic beverages.
Fine Gael Senator Calls For Calorie Labels On Alcohol
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has been urged to make calorie labelling mandatory on alcoholic beverages.
16 March 2012
Cross-Border Search For Escaped Prisoner Continues
A cross border search is continuing for a prisoner who absconded yesterday from Loughan Prison in Co Cavan. Martin McDermott (26) from Raphoe, Co Donegal, was noted missing during a head count shortly before 5pm yesterday but it is not known how long he had been missing for.
Cross-Border Search For Escaped Prisoner Continues
A cross border search is continuing for a prisoner who absconded yesterday from Loughan Prison in Co Cavan. Martin McDermott (26) from Raphoe, Co Donegal, was noted missing during a head count shortly before 5pm yesterday but it is not known how long he had been missing for.
05 January 2018
New Alcohol Legislation To Benefit Those 'On A Health Kick'
New alcohol legislation progressing through the Dáil will, for the first time, ensure that alcohol products will be labelled to show the calorie content.
New Alcohol Legislation To Benefit Those 'On A Health Kick'
New alcohol legislation progressing through the Dáil will, for the first time, ensure that alcohol products will be labelled to show the calorie content.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Bright spells with a few showers continuing through this evening. Some drier, clearer periods in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
