McDonald's USA Adding Calorie Counts to Menu Boards

citizen |

OAK BROOK, Ill. McDonalds USA President Jan Fields announced that, starting this week, the company will list calorie information on restaurant and drive-thru menus nationwide to further help customers and employees make informed, nutrition-minded choices.

In addition to menu board labeling, McDonalds published its first-ever nutrition progress report and revealed several 2013 menu innovations in test that will include recommended food groups from the United States Department of Agricultures 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reflected in the messages supporting MyPlate. These are the latest in a series of actions to support McDonalds Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices, announced July 2011. The comprehensive plan aims to help customers and employees make informed nutrition choices whether visiting McDonalds or eating elsewhere.

At McDonalds, we recognize customers want to know more about the nutrition content of the food and beverages they order, said Fields. As a company that has provided nutrition information for more than 30 years, we are pleased to add to the ways we make nutrition information available to our customers and employees.

According to recent research by the International Food Information Council Foundation, about 15 percent of Americans accurately estimate the number of calories they need to maintain their weight. This past summer, McDonalds introduced a Favorites Under 400 menu that highlights the calorie information for some of customers favorite foods and beverages to help put calorie counts in better context.

Later this fall, approximately 750,000 employees working in McDonalds and franchisee restaurants in the U.S. will be introduced to a voluntary nutrition e-learning program. The program will help build employees knowledge of calories, nutrition and McDonalds menu offerings.

These programs follow the launch of McDonalds mobile app late last year that provides customers with on-the-go nutrition information, as well as an updated online meal-builder that offers customizable information.

McDonalds initiatives to provide Apple Slices and a fat-free milk option in the Happy Meals are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, as is the goal to reduce sodium, added sugars and saturated fats in foods, said Judith C. Rodriguez, PhD, RD, LD/N, FADA, Chairperson and Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Brooks College of Health. The transparency and availability of nutrition information enables consumers to make choices and can help caregivers teach and model decision-making behavior to children. These are life skills that will benefit them not only at McDonalds but in every aspect of life.

2013 Menu Tests Include More Recommended Food Groups

To make nutritious choices more convenient and accessible, McDonalds revealed plans today to test foods that would increase the number of wholesome choices on its menu. The menu items being explored for 2013 include more recommended food groups. Among the additions being tested:

More seasonal fruit and vegetables options, such as blueberries and cucumbers, during peak seasons.

Additional produce side options and grilled chicken choices for Happy Meals.

The McWrap, inspired by McDonalds Europe, features fresh vegetables and is available in three flavors Chicken & Bacon, Sweet Chili Chicken, and Chicken & Ranch starting at 350 calories.

New breakfast choices, including an egg-white breakfast sandwich on an English muffin made with 8 grams of whole grain.

Source: Black PR Wire

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

STARR Community Services International, Inc.