Pinero, Landcaster, and Dixon Receive Contract from NYC Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene

Domingo Pinero, clinical assistant professor of nutrition and food studies, Kristie Lancaster, associate professor of nutrition, and Beth Dixon, associate professor of nutrition and food studies, received an contract in the amount of $49,000 by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for the project titled "Evaluation of Menu Calorie Labeling in Fast Food Restaurants in NYC."

Published estimates demonstrate that affecting energy intake by 100 kcals/day could prevent weight gain in most of the population. A 100 kcal reduction is 5% of the USDA's recommended calorie intake of 2000 calories/day for most adults. Calorie labeling requirements, proposed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to take effect July 1 2007, are intended to allow customers to consider calories in their menu choices. This study examines caloric value of purchases at regulated quick service establishments (e.g., fast food restaurants), before and after implementation of the calorie labeling regulations. It also assesses the prevalence of customers who report they saw caloric information and that said the information affected their choices. In Spring 2007, faculty members in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health received a contract to assist with baseline ("before implementation of the mandate") data collection in 60 fast food restaurants in NYC.