Foodservice 101: The Basics

6/1/2012

Menu labeling is not likely at the forefront of concern or consideration at the early stages of foodservice development, but experts recommend that calorie counts and the healthfulness of foods should be considered as menus are developed.

The incidence of obesity in the United States has tripled in the last 20 years and continues to get worse. Thus, menu labeling should be viewed as an opportunity to help consumers monitor their food intake, some experts contend. (See "The Obesity Crisis in America," at right).

Over the years, quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have developed a reputation as offering unhealthy food, while c-stores still have an opportunity to move in a different direction and create a healthier image by responding to a consumer need, one retail expert noted.

That's not to say that all c-store foods should be low in calories or fat. But there should be more healthy options available for those who are health-conscious. Operators should also look at all of the ingredients in the foods on their menus to make sure excessive calories are removed without significantly altering flavor. Once this baseline is done, all menu additions should go through the same nutritional scrutiny.

Beginner-level foodservice operators should also pay attention to foodservice packaging, labeling, menus and menu boards they acquire now to ensure they are flexible enough to handle calorie count postings in the future when the time comes.

HOT TIPS

Be mindful of calories, fats and other nutritional aspects of items added to your menus and attempt to offer some better-for-you options.
While other issues such as program development, branding and revenue generation may be more top of your mind, menu labeling should be incorporated into foodservice program expansion because it is something consumers want and need.
Purchase foodservice packaging, labeling, menus and menu boards that are flexible and can accommodate nutrition labeling in the future.

The Obesity Crisis in America

Obesity will continue to rise for the next 18 years and affect a whopping 42 percent of Americans by 2030, according to a recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today, 34 percent of adults are considered obese.

The only good news in the report is that the rate of growth of obesity slowed compared to the past three decades.

The following are some additional sobering statistics:

The numbers of severely obese people - those carrying 80 or more pounds above the healthy, normal weight for their height - is expected to grow by 130 percent, from 4.9 percent to 11 percent.
Additional health care costs of the additional 8 percent of Americans who will be considered obese by 2030 will be $549.5 billion over the next 20 years.
35.7 percent of American adults (78 million people) are obese today.
16.9 percent of U.S. children and adolescents (12.5 million) are obese.
35.8 percent of American women are considered obese.