Restaurants In Maharashtra Might Soon Have To Reveal Calories Of Each Dish

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to implement a major step for all restaurants and eateries which is to include calorie count of the dishes on their menus reports Pune Mirror. This, the report says is to counter the rise in obesity in children due to consumption of high-calorie food.

Calorie Count To Counter Obesity

The rising obesity has also can give rise to further health complications like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis and even certain types of cancers says Pune Mirror due to which the FDA has taken this decision. The plan is the brainchild of Pallavi Darade, the FDA commissioner and currently being sent to the state government for approval.

“People are certainly getting more conscious of their health, but they are still not aware about the calories they are consuming while ordering a meal in a restaurant, said Darade while taking to Pune Mirror. “The public should be able to make an informed decision while placing an order. Also, this way, the hotel industry will also be more aware about the calorie content in their dishes. The calorie content may not be exact, but patrons will still know their calorie intake.”

“It’s been shocking to see the rise in obesity among children. This plan may not be the only solution, but it’s a start. Hoteliers and restaurateurs should voluntarily come forward and start stating the calories in their food,” she added. To implement the plan, FDA officials will be consulting the experts in food and packaging industry, scientists, restaurateurs, nutritionists, dieticians and obstetricians over the coming months.

Obesity On The Rise

“There is a major rise in the number of people suffering from obesity, which includes young children,” said Dr Sanjay Borude, practising surgeon at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai to Pune Mirror. “There is a major rise in the number of people suffering from obesity, which includes young children. This is a cause for genuine concern and this decision taken by the FDA will enhance public awareness. It’s a pity that people, while being aware of the calories in food such as wada pav and burgers. Still opt for such items simply because they are easily available and taste good.”

“A similar idea had been floated in western countries for food chains such as McDonald’s and KFC, but it didn’t really take off. I cannot stress this enough — calorie consciousness is low among common people, even parents. Hoteliers should take this as a positive step and support the FDA. In fact, I had suggested some time ago that some food chains should carry a statutory warning on junk food, warning consumers about the number of calories,” he added.