Diet-focused consumers selecting foods in markets can count on federally imposed nutritional facts to disclose the amounts of fats, carbohydrates, fibers, etc. in processed foods.
But no such requirements affect restaurants—especially fast-foot outlets—thanks to powerful industry lobbies.
Now the same lobbies have persuaded the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the “cheeseburger bill,” the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act.
Endorsed by Dubya, the legislation bans individuals from suing restaurants because their food makes customers fat.
Duh. Restaurants refuse to disclose portion nutritional facts to consumers of cheeseburgers, fries and other entrees, side dishes and liquid refreshments.
Nutrionists say McDonald’s Big Mac hamburger, for example, contains 530 calories (300 from fat), 33 grams of fat (11 saturated), 85 milligrams of cholesterol, 1050 milligrams of sodium and 47 grams of carbohydrates,
But you won’t find those nutritional facts displayed on McDonald’s food containers, sales materials or walls.
Why not? (14 MARCH 2004)
