A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association revealed that calorie information on some food products may be inaccurate. Researchers measured calorie content of 29 restaurant foods and compared them to the calorie information provided by the vendors. Three criteria the selected food items had to meet were: less than 500 calories per serving as stated on the label, typical American foods, and be lower in calorie content than most of the other foods on the menu.
The food items averaged at 18% more calories than stated on the label! Some of the discrepancies were very wide, spanning up to twice their declared calorie content! The food items tested in the study were from chain restaurants, fast-food and sit-down, with nation-wide distribution. In 5 of the 29 restaurants, side dishes served with the item tested had higher calorie level than the item itself!
The researchers concluded that based on the study, a wide range of food labels from restaurants and supermarkets may be inaccurate, most frequently exceeding the calorie value posted. This is a problem when it comes to a person's effort to self monitor energy intake. It could reduce the benefit of requiring restaurants to post calorie information on menus.
Cheers,
Brittney
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