Restaurants Should be Proactive When It Comes to Menu Labeling, Nutrient Analysis

New Legislation to Require Restaurants to Disclose Calories, Nutrition Information

ELMHURST, Ill. – July 7, 2009 – With the recent announcement that the Senate has reached an agreement on menu labeling legislation, restaurants across the country with 20 or more locations would be required to disclose calories and other nutrition information of food items on their menu boards or menus.

“Menu labeling will soon become national law, so the time is right for restaurants to start preparing for disclosure of this information,” said Laura Walsh, RD, LDN, president and founder of the Walsh Nutrition Group. “Even if restaurants don’t have 20 or more locations, they can still benefit from providing nutrition information and meeting their customers“ growing demand for nutrition information while establishing a competitive marketing edge over their competitors.”

States such as California and Oregon have already passed menu labeling legislation and several cities across the country have done so as well. The purpose of the federal legislation is to provide consistency in nutrition information provided at restaurants nationwide.

Walsh Nutrition Group can help restaurants develop a comprehensive menu labeling plan, analyzing recipes and menus using state-of-the-art nutrition analysis software to achieve the following objectives:

	Comply with pending national legislation.
	Provide calories and nutrition information for display on menus and menu boards
	Increase establishment’s appeal to health-conscious consumers by making nutrition information available and/or highlighting healthy options.
	Distinguish restaurant from others by meeting consumers growing demand for nutrition information.

Restaurants and other food service establishments can learn more about the services provided by Walsh Nutrition Group by visiting www.walshnutritiongroup.com or calling (630) 617-8757.