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The Importance of Nutritional Information on Menus

Padmini Kirpalani PhDWalden UniversityPUBH-8165Dr. Robert MarinoFall, 2011

Good day ladies and gentlemen, as we address the respective members of the community, restaurant managers and representatives of the food industry it is essential that we consider modern living food choices which are crucial for health . Consumers seek quality, value and a desirable environment away from the daily life pressures. With a growing affluent and educated society, consumers today are demanding safe and better food quality to consume. Consumption of fast food, which have high energy densities and glycemic loads exposure consumers to excessive portion sizes, and may greatly contribute to the escalating rates of overweight and obesity in the USA(Dumanovsky, Huang, Bassett, & Silver, 2010).1The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusAddressing the needs of the consumer.

Presentation to motivate restaurants in the community to include nutrition information on the menu.

Dumanovsky, T., Huang, C. Y., Bassett, M. T., & Silver, L. D. (2010). Consumer Awareness of Fast-Food Calorie Information in New York City After Implementation of a Menu Labeling Regulation. American Journal of Public Health, 100(12), 2520-2525.

Modern living food choice is crucial for health . Consumers seek quality, value and a desirable environment away from the daily life pressures. With a growing affluent and educated society, consumers today are demanding safe and better food quality to consume. Consumption of fast food, which have high energy densities and glycemic loads exposure consumers to excessive portion sizes, and may greatly contribute to the escalating rates of overweight and obesity in the USA. As we present our case and address the growing needs of consumers we also seek to educate and inform members of the food industry about the importance of nutritional information on menus. 2The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusWelcome Members of the Food Industry & Managers of the Top Ten Restaurants in Alabama.As we welcome you to our forum on the importance of nutritional information, I would like to ensure that you appreciate the importance of providing sound nutrition, fresh food and accurate detail on the menus.3Learning outcomesAt the end of this presentation you would be able to:

Describe the importance of sound nutritional features.

Develop substitutes and options in ingredients which favor low fat and higher nutritional value.

Implement accurate calorie measures and nutritional data on menus for consumers to compare their choices.

Dumanovsky, T., Huang, C. Y., Bassett, M. T., & Silver, L. D. (2010). Consumer Awareness of Fast-Food Calorie Information in New York City After Implementation of a Menu Labeling Regulation. American Journal of Public Health, 100(12), 2520-2525.

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusFast food may be characterized by low cost, large portion size, and energy dense foods that are high in calories and total fat. The demand for this type of product is primarily due to time and budget. Emerging research shows that this type of consumption associated with undesirable metabolic outcomes, including higher body weight, waist circumference and insulin resistance. The goal of this discussion is to provide data and evidence to support the need for the food industry to reflect greater responsibility in providing consumers with the education and choice that can lead to better health outcomes (Tangari, Burton, Howlett. Yoon-Na, & Thyroff, 2010). 4Learning outcomesRecognize the severity of the obesity epidemic and its causes.

Design menus to provide a variety of options to promote the consumption of fresh vegetables.

Develop substitutes and options in ingredients which favor low fat and higher nutritional value.

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusIn recognizing the implications of obesity and its multi-factorial effects it is crucial that food industry recognizes their role and responsibility in providing options that promote healthy eating. This means fresh food choices, low fat and low sodium and sugar content in the ingredients. Educating consumers and establishing themselves as being pro-health versus convenience, which has the implications of high fat. 5Obesity has become an epidemic and an important public health concern.

This Problem is multidimensional.

The solution will require an interdisciplinary approach involving the cooperation of the food industry with other stakeholders, such as the government, academia, and health care providers. (Shaharudin, Ismail, Mansor, Elias, Jalil, & Omar,2011).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusA picture of food consumption (availability) trends and projections to 2050, both globally and for different regions of the world, along with the drivers largely responsible for these observed consumption trends are the subject of this presentation. Throughout the world, major shifts in dietary patterns are occurring, even in the consumption of basic staples towards more diversified diets. Accompanying these changes in food consumption at a global and regional level have been considerable health consequences. Populations in those countries undergoing rapid transition are experiencing nutritional transition. The diverse nature of this transition may be the result of differences in socio-demographic factors and other consumer characteristics. Among other factors including urbanization and food industry marketing, the policies of trade liberalization over the past two decades have implications for health by virtue of being a factor in facilitating the nutrition transition that is associated with rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Future food policies must consider both agricultural and health sectors, thereby enabling the development of coherent and sustainable policies that will ultimately benefit agriculture, human health and the environment (Dumanovsky, Huang, Bassett, & Silver, 2010).6The consumer is an important player in the solution to obesity because the consumer can make healthy lifestyle choices at the individual level.

The food industry should be committed to providing the consumer with healthy food options and reliable nutrition information.

(Dumanovsky, Huang, Bassett, & Silver, 2010).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusA picture of food consumption (availability) trends and projections to 2050, both globally and for different regions of the world, along with the drivers largely responsible for these observed consumption trends are the subject of this presentation. Throughout the world, major shifts in dietary patterns are occurring, even in the consumption of basic staples towards more diversified diets. Accompanying these changes in food consumption at a global and regional level have been considerable health consequences. Populations in those countries undergoing rapid transition are experiencing nutritional transition. The diverse nature of this transition may be the result of differences in socio-demographic factors and other consumer characteristics. Among other factors including urbanization and food industry marketing, the policies of trade liberalization over the past two decades have implications for health by virtue of being a factor in facilitating the nutrition transition that is associated with rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Future food policies must consider both agricultural and health sectors, thereby enabling the development of coherent and sustainable policies that will ultimately benefit agriculture, human health and the environment (Dumanovsky, Huang, Bassett, & Silver, 2010).7Current Data Which Reflects Alarming Rates Of Diabetes (cdc.org, 2010).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on Menus

The frequent consumption of energy-dense fast food is associated with increased body mass index. (www.cdc.gov). Changes in agricultural practice over the past 50 years have increased the world's capacity to provide food for its people through increases in productivity, greater diversity of foods and less seasonal dependence. Food availability has also increased as a consequence of rising income levels and falling food prices. This has resulted in considerable changes in food consumption over the past 50 years. Along with an exploration of food consumption (availability) trends and projections to 2050, both globally and for different regions of the world, the drivers largely responsible for these observed consumption trends will be examined (cdc.org, 2010).8Health Consequences of Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of many health conditions, including the following:

Coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.Type 2 diabetes.Cancers, such as endometrial, breast, and colon cancer.High total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides. (cdc.org, 2010).The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusThe National Health and Nutrition Survey data estimate that 65% of US adults are either overweight or obese. This number represents a 16% increase in prevalence from data obtained between 1988 and 1994. Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kgs and obesity ass having a BMI of greater than 30kgs. 9Health Consequences of Obesity

Liver and gallbladder disease.Sleep apnea and respiratory problems.Degeneration of cartilage and underlying bone within a joint (osteoarthritis).Reproductive health complications such as infertility.Mental health conditions. (Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusExcessive body weight is associated with several comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, infertility and breast , endometrial, colon and prostate cancers (Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007). 10The Impact of Obesity on Cost & SocietyIn 2008, overall medical care costs related to obesity for U.S. adults were estimated to be as high as $147 billion. People who were obese had medical costs that were $1,429 higher than the cost for people of normal body weight. Obesity also has been linked with reduced worker productivity and chronic absence from work.

(www.cdc.gov).The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusConsumers now spend almost $600 billion annually at fast food and table-service restaurants (NRA, 2009). The estimated impact of obesity results in an estimated 3000, 000 excess deaths and $100 billion per year in medical expenditures (Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007).

11Creating awareness about benefits of eating foods that are low in saturated animal based fats, low in sugars, high in fiber.

Encouraging healthy patterns of eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, vegetable oil based fats, natural foods and less or preferably no intake of processed and packaged foods.

(Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusThe fast food industry has been criticized for contribution to the national obesity problem by selling foods high in calories, saturated fat and sodium, often in relatively large portions. The acceleration of overweight and obesity prevalence has pointed to environmental factors at the root of the epidemic rather than biological alterations(Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007). 12Globalization of the food industry with massive spurt in urbanization and boom in the packaged foods industry has made food products reach far corners of the world. Consumption of foods laden with fats including saturated fats and sugars is on the rise.

Lifestyle modernizations have increased usage of automobiles, physically passive recreational activities and technologically advanced home appliances, which reduce physical hard work. This has tremendous drawbacks. (www.cdc.gov).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusAlthough the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) requires standardized nutrition labels on most packaged food products, food prepared for immediate consumption has been exempt from this legislation. The NLEA requires that relevant calorie and nutrient information be made available when a nutritional claim is made for a menu items. Recent calorie disclosure mandates for restaurant chains have been passed or implemented in several states (Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007).

13The Importance of Nutritional Information on Menus

The US health care reform legislation signed into law on March 23rd, 2010 will require calorie labeling on menus, menu boards and drive through windows for all restaurant chains with twenty or more outlets nationally. (www.cdc.gov).14Suggestions to encourage Individual choices

Provide options for preparation-encourage grilled or baked instead of fried entrees.

Substitute bread baskets for baked tortilla chips and salsa or less calorie dense options.

Provide a choice of fresh fruit for deserts and sugar free/fat free options. (cdc.org,2009).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusGiven the extensive health related risks associated with being overweight or obese, a multifaceted approach to reduce the increasing prevalence has been suggested (cdc.org, 2009). 15Using illustrations which portray a variety of colorful vegetables and a baked or grilled entre.

Provide side salads at affordable prices.

Provide flexible menu options which encourage side vegetables or salad options.

Provide smaller portion sizes at affordable prices. (Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusUnderstanding of corporate fast foods growing impact on indigenous health an health behavior becomes more deeply resonant when examined at the community level. Accordingly this presentation considers the various ways this style of cuisine is now conceptualized and its influence mediated amongst various individuals. Paying particular attention to consumer practices and attitudes.16Suggestions for Variety

Generally boredom may lead to frustration.

Use ingredients and recipes from various ethnic backgrounds to provide variety which is healthily

Limit the use of salt and fat in food preparation. (Tangari, Burton, Howlett. Yoon-Na,& Thyroff, 2010).

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusPrevailing consumption patterns and nutritional perceptions figure into emerging health trends within developing societies. Both the type of fat as well as the quantity of ft probably play a role in the metabolic response. Dietary fatty acids also affect insulin resistance in human beings. 17Provide options for individuals with high blood pressure-Low sodium

Provide fresh wholesome choices instead of canned or prepared options.

Illustrate menus with graphic pictures and options for tasting.

(Tangari, Burton, Howlett. Yoon-Na, & Thyroff, 2010).The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusNow that individual-level correlates of healthy weight and weight loss are fairly well understood, attention should be given to other social and environmental determinants that may have a substantial impact. In addition to policy changes such as those that regulate the unhealthy selections in restaurants on an environmental level, incorporating teaching points on influences such as portion control and choosing health options in restaurants should contribute to more successful weight-loss interventions.

18Creating the right ambience to encourage clientele.

Provide both dim as well as well lit areas for families and individuals dating.

Provide healthy menu options for children to promote sound nutritional choices.

(Tangari, Burton, Howlett. Yoon-Na & Thyroff, 2010).The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusDespite decades of efforts to control them, half of USA adults still have unacceptable CVD risk factors. The latest NHANES survey (19992006) shows that 45% had one of the three major risk factors: 30.5% had hypertension, 26% high blood cholesterol, and 9.9% diabetes. About 13% had two of the conditions and 3% had all three. The risk factor rates were higher in blacks and 15% were unaware of having these conditions (cdc. org, 2010).

19Current Trends in Foodservice Industries

Convenience

Health & wellness

Sophistication (regional fusion)

Pleasure/fun

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusWhen presented with greater portion sizes, people tend to eat more but report the same level of satiation, public awareness of the effect portion size can have on weight control efforts is essential. Many of the changes in food consumption patterns discussed above are reflective of the nutrition transitiona series of adverse changes in diet, physical activity and health. The shift from a high prevalence of under-nutrition to a situation where nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NR-NCDs) predominate arises where you have increased consumption of unhealthy foods along with increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in middle-to-low-income countries of the world. It can have serious implications in terms of public health outcomes, economic growth and international nutrition policy. The nutrition transition in a country is nearly always preceded by demographic and epidemiological transition (Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007).

20The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusFor hypertension recommendations include a lean body mass, restricted sodium intake, and a diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. For Diabetes recommendations include curbing weight gain, control of blood pressure and lipids by eating a balanced diet. For a reduced HDL-C one should also control weight and eat fatty fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, and tuna). For Obesity requirements include control of food portion size. For a healthy LDL-C one must eat less saturated fat, trans fatty acids, fewer calories and cram up on whole grains (at least 3 servings a day) eat 6 ounces of fattier fish and gorge on fruits, vegetables, and legumes (6 servings a day). Dietary lifestyle and behavior modification can play a major role in avoiding and correcting risk factors for CVD a major determinant of longevity (cdc.org, 2010).

21To help fight the battle against obesity, the food industry must team up with the government, academia, and the medical community to help inform consumers, strengthen nutrition education, and develop healthier product choices.

Giving consumers the best nutrition information and the best nutritional food options may empower them to make individualized lifestyle changes that will help overcome energy imbalance and, in the long term, may help curb our struggle with obesity.

(cdc.org,2010).

Concluding MessageThe USA allocates more funds for its medical system than any other country but performs poorly on all measures for the quality of health care. In comparison with 30 developed nations of the world, the US trails behind on most standard measures of quality health care. Reports based on 2004 data from 192 nations, placed the USA at 46th in average life expectancy and 42nd in infant mortality. Whereas a mere 10% of the population's mortality is attributable to the quality of health care and 40% is attributable to detrimental behaviors, the best means for improving health and reducing premature death may lie in the modification of personal behavior (cdc.org, 2010).22Recommended Resources

Kireeva, I. & O'Connor, B. (2011). Food Alone is Not Enough? A Legal Overview of the Fortification Regulation of the European Union. European Food & Feed Law Review, 6(2), 104-115. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Haber, B. & Meisterernst, A. (2011). Proposals for a revision of regulation (EC) 1924/2006. European Food & Feed Law Review, 6(1), 27-40. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Ortega-Rias, E. & Perez-Vega, S. B. (2011). Solid-liquid separations in the food industry: operating aspects and relevant applications. Journal of Food & Nutrition Research, 50(2), 86-105. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusIt is important when considering future food policy that a sustainable pattern of food consumption be considered, ensuring a sufficient supply of staples and of micronutrient-rich foods without encouraging excessive consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Food systems that diversify beyond subsistence farming and include fruits, vegetables, legumes and animal products result in improved nutritional status (Bray, Most, Rood, Redmann, Smith, 2007).

23Learning Goals Appreciate the consequences of the epidemic levels of obesity and the responsibility of individuals in the food industry towards social change.

Provide substitutes and options in ingredients which favor low fat and higher nutritional value while educating the public.

Provide accurate calorie measures and nutritional data on menus for consumers to compare their choices.

The Importance of Nutritional Information on MenusA healthy lifestyle for avoiding CVD and its predisposing risk factors and thus prolonging lifespan must include a healthy diet that has many features of a Mediterranean or Oriental cuisine. Recent trials and data suggest that certain nutrients formerly indicted as harmful need not be avoided including moderate consumption of eggs, chocolate, nuts, and caffeinated coffee, among others. Recommendations for prevention of CVD have much in common regarding CVD risk factors. Nutritional risk factors appear to apply for more than dyslipidemia (cdc.org, 2010).24Bray, G. A., Most, M., Rood, J., Redmann, S., & Smith, S. R. (2007). Hormonal Responses to a Fast-Food Meal Compared with Nutritionally Comparable Meals of Different Composition. Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 51(2), 163-171.

Dumanovsky, T., Huang, C. Y., Bassett, M. T., & Silver, L. D. (2010). Consumer Awareness of Fast-Food Calorie Information in New York City After Implementation of a Menu Labeling Regulation. American Journal of Public Health, 100(12), 2520-2525.

Shaharudin, M. Ismail, A. Mansor, S. Elias, S. Jalil, M. & Omar, M. (2011). Innovative Food and Its Effects toward Consumers' Purchase Intention of Fast Food Product. Canadian Social Science. Academic Search Complete.

Tangari, A. Burton, S. Howlett. E. Yoon-Na, C. & Thyroff, A. (2010). Weighing in on fast food consumption: The effects of meal and calorie disclosures on consumer fast food evaluations. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 44(3), 431-462.References25Alabama Department of Public HealthAmerican Diabetic AssociationNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) Office of Disease Prevention (ODP)

Acknowledgements

Thank you for attending this conference and at this point I welcome any questions from the audience. Informational literature is available on request and can be provided for your clientele as well. Thank you once again for attending. 26