Achi news desk-
An analysis report on Mandatory Calorie Labeling in the Out-of-Home (OOH) sector published in May 2023 later claimed that ‘eating out’ had been linked to obesity, with evidence that food obtained from food shops express or takeaways associated with higher. calorie intake.
It has been suggested that enforcing calorie labeling at the point of choice could give the Out of Hours sector the opportunity to make a ‘key contribution’ to improving Scottish dietary health.
Similar regulations were introduced in England in April 2022, making calorie labeling mandatory across the out-of-home food sector and affecting businesses employing 250 or more people.
Mark Micotti, brand manager at DRG Restaurant Group which owns brands including Di Maggio’s, Café Andaluz and Amarone has this week raised fresh concerns about the implications of this for Scotland’s hospitality sector during the cost of living crisis.
“From an operational perspective, it’s a huge challenge for our industry,” he said.
“For a major operation like DRG it will be a huge cost in terms of time and money.
“Calculating calories would undoubtedly be another investment in a software package or service, adding to the increased costs for restaurant operators.”
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Mr Micotti’s comments came days after eating disorder campaigners urged the Scottish Government against labeling ‘dangerous’ calories on menus, which has already been implemented by chain stores such as Pret A Manger or Dominos pizza across all UK stores.
Research carried out by Public Health Scotland (PHS) has shown that people with lived experience of eating disorders are concerned that routine exposure to calorie information in restaurants, takeaways and shops will put them at greater risk of relapse.
The study, based on in-depth interviews with 18 people in recovery from conditions including anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, found that “it was often mentioned that providing calorie information, particularly on menus and at the point of service, be. very motivating”.
Feedback also suggested that displaying calories on menus could “encourage conversations focused on restricting intake” – or “diet talk” – when dining out with people unaware of their history of disordered eating.
Proposed plans would also include vending machines, delis, workplace canteens, online food delivery services, and snack trolleys on trains.
The report said: “For those with a history of eating disorders, seeing calorie information may lead to increased anxiety, negative body image, and a resurgence of disordered eating behaviour.
“Several participants shared instances where they felt overwhelmed and upset after encountering calorie information, leading them to avoid certain foods or even skip meals altogether to avoid the stress caused by him”.
Mr Micotti, who was invited to feed into the consultation process on calorie legislation for the Scottish Government in 2021, continued: “I question whether customers want to see calories written down; going out for dinner is supposed to be a pleasure and this is not the time to be forced to consider calories.
“As we’ve seen on menus down south, calorie information is an inescapable part of the description, affecting dining choices whether diners need it or want it.
“On packaged foods, a conscious decision must be made to find nutritional information.
“Perhaps the best alternative is to offer a separate menu, available on request, with details for those who need help choosing the right options for them.”
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Public health campaigners including Obesity Action Scotland (OAS) have backed the proposals for mandatory calorie information on menus, reporting “high levels of public support”.
A poll conducted by the independent organization in 2022 showed 60% in favor of the decision and only 20% opposed it.
Mr Micotti, however, argues that printing only the total calorific value may not provide consumers with enough information to encourage an informed dietary decision.
He said: “Calories don’t tell the full story; a handful of nuts might have more calories than a chicken nugget, but the former has far more nutritional value.
“The healthiest options are not always the lowest calorie.”
In response to these comments, the Scottish Government has said that it will continue to consult with the hospitality sector before making a decision on mandatory calorie labelling.
A spokesman said: “Before any decision is made on mandating calorie labelling, we will have further discussions with the hospitality sector.
“This is consistent with the Scottish Government’s New Deal for Business and we are committed to taking the needs of business and industry into account during the policy-making process.”
