FOOD AWAY FROM HOME AND CALORIC INTAKE: THE ROLE OF RESTAURANT MENU LABELING LAWS

We analyze whether local and state mandates to post calorie information on restaurant menus change the effect of consuming food prepared away from home (FAFH) on total caloric intake. Information on area demographics and the local food environment were used to construct a comparison group. For identification, we use differences in two days of dietary intake and timing variations in policy implementation. We find the effect of FAFH meals on total daily intake is reduced by 21 calories among adults and by 34 calories among young children for each year the mandate is in place.(JELI12, I18, H75)

Automated summary

The study found that local and state mandates requiring calorie information on restaurant menus can reduce the impact of consuming food prepared away from home on total caloric intake by 21 calories for adults and 34 calories for young children each year.