Fast-food chains across Ontario will soon display the number of calories for each menu item, but a public health advocate says the labelling could actually lead women to make unhealthy decisions.
The rules, which come into effect Jan. 1, 2017, are part of the government's attempt to curb obesity and encourage healthier eating.Along with the calorie information, chain restaurants will have to display a "context statement" meant to help consumers better understand the calorie count. The statement will say adults require 2,000 to 2,400 calories per day, but that individual calorie needs vary.
Bill Jeffery, executive director of the Centre for Health Science and Law, believes that number is far too high, especially for women.It's certainly higher than what Health Canada recommends. The agency suggests women aged 31-50 with a low level of activity consume 1,800 calories a day.
"If people really pay attention to it, it has the potential to create an additional obesity epidemic in Ontario by nudging people to consume more calories," said Jeffery, who also objects to the fact the government hired a marketing agency with food-industry ties to run the consultations that led to the new menu information.
David Jensen, a spokesman for the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, which is in charge of the menu labelling, said the recommended calorie intake is the result of "extensive consultations" and reviews.He said the ministry is reviewing comments about the context statement, but he didn't say whether that means it could change.
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