Do calorie counts on menus cause restaurant patrons to eat less? The answer depends on whether customers are paying attention, according to a new lunchtime survey at 168 New York City fast-food locations. Only one in six customers used the calorie information, mandated by 2008 regulations similar to those due to hit fast-food eateries nationwide as a result of the 2010 Affordable Care Act. But those who did pay attention to the numbers cut an average of 106 calories from their lunches. Over a year, noted the researchers, affiliated with the citys health department, that would add up to losing (or keeping off) 12 pounds. A comparison of data from cash-register receipts showed no overall decline in lunchtime calories after the rule. But calories in purchases at three major chains-McDonalds, KFC and Au Bon Pain-did drop, while only one chain sold more caloric choices. That was Subway, which introduced a $5 Foot-Long supersized option at the same time the rule went into effect. (For more on restaurant calorie counts, see story on page 1 of this issue.)
