| Greetings!
As I understand it, the "Calories on the menu" legislation has been packaged with the proposed health care reform bill - and that is, of course, all still up in the air. I'll keep you updated.
But, starting this month, larger California restaurant chains must provide nutritional information - read more below.
If you know other professionals who would enjoy receiving this monthly update, please forward this email to them and invite them sign up.
Dr. Jo |
| California Restaurants Adds Nutr Info |
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In California restaurant chains with at least 20 restaurants in the state must provide a brochure on site listing calories, sodium, saturated fat and carbohydrates. The second phase, effective January 2011, will require these restaurants to post calories on the menu. Restaurants that serve only buffet-style are exempt and so are alcoholic beverages. |
| Restaurants Emphasize Fresh Produce |
According to a National Restaurant Association's news release, "Nearly three out of four restaurant operators (72 percent) said emphasizing fresh produce in their marketing efforts drives more customers to their restaurant. In addition, 46 percent of restaurant operators said they look for fresh produce items that their customers can not buy at their supermarket, including 78 percent of fine dining operators. In addition, 67 percent of restaurant operators said they wish they had more options regarding fresh produce selections, while 60 percent of operators said they wish there was more information on how to incorporate fresh produce on their menu. Forty-one percent said they expect to serve more fresh produce in the next two years, while 56 percent said they expect to serve about the same amount. Restaurant operators also look at sourcing of fresh produce, with 77 percent saying they prefer to purchase domestically grown fresh produce, and 56 percent of survey respondents serve locally-sourced produce in their restaurants. Read more. |
| Running on French Fries? |
You know about biodiesel fuel, right? Well, this is interesting...there's an engineer in Massachusetts that has developed the Vegewatt, a refrigerator-sized cogeneration system. This machine will take restaurants' used vegetable oil and convert it to fuel without having to transport the oil. Read more in this QSR article. |
| Other Restaurant News |
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Panda Express is highlighting their existing lower calorie (less than 250 calories) side dishes, entrees, and appetizers with a "Wok Smart" Logo.
KFC Grilled Chicken now makes up 40% of the company's "chicken-on-the-bone" sales according to YUM! Brands CEO David Novak (reported in Advertising Age).
Red Robin is switching to cage-free eggs. Other restaurants making the change include: Burger King, Wendy's, Quizno's, Hardee's, and Carl's Jr. There's more in QSR Magazine. |
| New Food-on-the-Go |
Frito Lay now offers Singles packs - with six 1 oz bags per  pack. My favorite is SunChips multigrain snacks. Each 1oz bag provides 18 grams per serving of whole grains from a blend of corn, oats and wheat. With 140 calories per bag, SunChips also contain 2 grams of fiber, heart healthier oils, and 0 grams trans fat.
Yoplait launches 50-calorie Fiber One yogurt in strawberry, vanilla, peach, and key-lime pie flavors. Each serving has 0g fat and provides 20% of the RDV of fiber, calcium, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. | |
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| Going to AADE? |
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Are you attending the American Association of Diabetes Educators conference in August in Atlanta? If so, please stop by the Canola Info booth and say hi - I consult with them as a spokesperson (could I help you promote your products?).
In addition, I'll be speaking in Macon, GA; Orlando, and Omaha in the next few weeks. If you want me to speak to your company or conference, check out my media kit. Or go ahead, give me a call!
Dr. Jo
407-852-9171
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