Montgomery County’s effort to place nutritional information on menus at larger chain restaurants is making a significant impact on the food choices of diners who read the information before ordering, according to an independent survey by the University of Maryland Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
The survey shows that women were more likely than men to use the information. However, not one person surveyed between the ages of 18-24 said they considered the nutritional information before ordering.
In 2009 when the County Council approved Bill 19-07, Montgomery County became one of the first jurisdictions in the nation to pass such legislation.
The bill’s chief sponsor was Councilmember George Leventhal, chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee. “In just a short time since this measure went into effect, this survey shows that about one-third of all diners are using the new information available to make healthier food choices, and it clearly shows that our efforts are making a difference,” said Leventhal.
Council Press Release
