Menu Kilojoule Labeling on Fast Food

Running head: MENU KILOJOULE LABELING ON FAST FOOD
MENU KILOJOULE LABELING ON FAST FOOD
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1MENU KILOJOULE LABELING ON FAST FOOD
Part A: Public health nutrition approach
Presently, high body mass index and poor diets represent the two most relevant factors
that contribute to Australia's burden of disease (1). The significant proportion of people in the
populace are at increased risk for developing chronic illnesses including type 2 diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, and cancers due to the population overweight and obesity (1). Around
27.4 percent children and 63.4 percent adults in Australia are either obese or overweight. The
high chronic disease rates in Australia illustrate poor overall diet and lifestyle profiles (1).
Research study figures from 2014 demonstrate that at least once a month, 81 percent of
Australians eat outside with more than half of those visit comprises a fast food chain (2).
Australia's fast-food chains equal fifty one million visitors a month (1). Notwithstanding these
numbers, Australian governments ' stance to placing energy values of a food product in
kilojoules on the menus of fast food chain outlets still varies among the different states.
Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania have still to take the necessary actions
requires to adequately inform the buyer of the energy content of fast food products at the time of
purchase (1).
Therefore, there is an urgent need in these jurisdictions for the mandatory labeling of
kilojoule on the menu of fast food chain outlets.
Intervention:
Compulsory legislation and regulations on the energy value of food products in kilojoule
on printed menus, online menus and/ or menu boards for all fast food stores throughout Australia
with associated media campaign for consumer education (3).
Strength of the evidence for effectiveness:

2MENU KILOJOULE LABELING ON FAST FOOD
Studies in Australia and around the world demonstrate that energy value of restaurant
foods are likely to be considerably underestimated by individuals and many individuals does not
have a solid knowledge of their daily calorie needs (4). Nevertheless, it is well known that to
provide buyers with efficient information regarding their energy consumption and energy content
at the time of purchase through properly designed kilojoule labeling leads to a considerable
reduction in energy intake in foods purchased (4).
Studies have found that the mandate of calorie counts in the New York City fast food
menus has led customers to purchase less calorie food (5). In 2013, an initiative from the
government of New South Wales has shown a substantial reduction in the median kilojoules
bought with a reduction of 519 kilojoules which corresponds with a reduction of 15 percent
owing to the kilojoule information displayed in the menu as well as supporting public education
(6).
Public support is strong as well for the provision of nutrition information on the menu. In
a recent survey conducted by the Cancer Council and Heart Foundation reported that more than 8
in 10 consumers surveyed asked for information on the fast foods menu in fast food chains (1).
Equity:
The mandatory menu kilojoule labeling and teaching campaign have shown that the adverse
impacts of the obesity slope are likely to be reduced (7). This reformulated approach will be
beneficial to all groups; particularly in low socio-economic groups as fast-food consumption is
higher in this group and thus, will benefit more from this particular change (7).
Acceptability: