RSVP: Changes in the Energy and Sodium Content of Main Entrees

Who brought this to our attention?

• A study done from 2010-2011, from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, showed changes in the energy and sodium content of main entrees in US chain restaurants. 

What did it do?

• Researchers from this study, looked at changes in energy and sodium content of US restaurants after the federal menu labeling requirement was passed. 

         Their results included:

• Sodium was lowered by 70 mg across all restaurants
• Fast-food restaurants decreased mean energy in children's main entrees by 40 calories
• Regular menu items at fast-food restaurants decreased by 57 calories
• Family-style restaurants decreased energy and sodium at the 75th percentile
• 10% of restaurants overall had a decrease in calories

Where did this change happen?

• A large and diverse group of US chain restaurants:
• Family-style restaurants
• Fast food restaurants
• Up scale dining restaurants

When did this change happen?

• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for nutrition labeling was passed on March 23, 2010.  This study looked at the year after this act was passed, from Spring 2010 to Spring 2011. 

How did this change happen?

• Policy change on menu labeling as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that was passed in Spring of 2010.  This policy required restaurants to show nutrient content (item for sale, number of kcals contained) labeled adjacent to restaurant's menu item.  As new labeling laws and public health pressures are evolving, restaurants are starting to introduce new food options that lead to changes of energy and sodium intake.