FDA Decides That Movie Theaters Do Not Have To Show Calorie Counts - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 04-04-2011, 10:49 PM

Update: No Calorie Counts at Movie Theater Concession Stands
By Mike Bracken
Posted Apr 4th 2011

The FDA wanted theaters -- just like restaurants -- to post nutritional information on every item they served so consumers could make healthier food choices.

Theater owners got some good news today. The FDA has decided that movie theaters will be exempt from the new nutrition info rules.

These new rules come as a result of last year's health care overhaul law, which mandated that any chain restaurant or similar establishment that served food at more than 20 locations post nutrition info for all of their menu items where they could be seen by patrons.

The FDA has tweaked the requirements and now only establishments where the primary objective is to sell food, or where more than half of the location's space is devoted to food sales, will be required to post the info.

This means places like theaters, bowling alleys and carnivals are off the hook. It will still apply to supermarkets and convenience stores that serve ready-to-eat items, though. This is good news for theater owners, who don't want you realizing that large popcorn and 64 oz. soda contain more calories than you're supposed to eat in a day.

The new law had the support of the restaurant industry, if only because it creates a national standard for them to adhere to instead of leaving the rules in the hands of individual cities and states.

However, theater owners chafed at the idea, saying they weren't in the business of selling meals. "We're not restaurants where people go to eat and satisfy themselves," said Gary Klein, the National Association of Theater Owners' general counsel. "It's dinner and a movie, not dinner at a movie."

Some are displeased by the loophole that will allow theaters to continue to serve unhealthy food to patrons without them knowing how bad it is.

Margo G. Wootan, director of nutrition policy of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said "It doesn't matter whether you happen to be watching a movie while you're eating. Those calories still count."

Wootan certainly has a point, but the question remains – does anyone think a large tub of popcorn and a gallon of soda is actually good for them? Nutrition information that points out the deceptive and devious practices of restaurants (places where things like a salad are worse for you than a burger and fries) is helpful, but do we really need the nutrition values for theater snacks?

Given our country's ever-increasing waistline, maybe we do. For the time being, though, many will continue to munch popcorn and slurp soda in ignorance of just how bad it is for them.

http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/04/04...ession-stands/

Zebra 3 · 04-05-2011, 05:30 PM

McOuthouse is probably considering showing McMovies.

Marvo301 · 04-05-2011, 06:37 PM

Nobody goes to the movies for their health anyway! They go to relax and enjoy themselves. And seeing those calorie counts wouldn't have been very relaxing!!

JamesG · 04-05-2011, 07:30 PM

The fast food joints around here, McDonald's and BK, have all added the calorie thing to their menus. People still go there and eat their food.

I was reading some reports that these calorie charts have done little to nothing in changing people's eating habits.

The calorie count thing seems to be useless.

Mr. Television · 04-05-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

The fast food joints around here, McDonald's and BK, have all added the calorie thing to their menus. People still go there and eat their food.

I was reading some reports that these calorie charts have done little to nothing in changing people's eating habits.

The calorie count thing seems to be useless.

Nobody goes to fast food places to eat healthy. lol I tried McDonalds salad a few times and it's good but it's not something I'd eat regularly if I was eating out.

JamesG · 04-05-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

Nobody goes to fast food places to eat healthy. lol I tried McDonalds salad a few times and it's good but it's not something I'd eat regularly if I was eating out.

I also rarely eat fast food, maybe once or twice a month.

The only time I had fast food a little more regularly was when McDonald's had their limited run of the McRibs a few months ago. I made sure to go to a McDonald's if I happened to come across one.

ABlairican Pie · 04-06-2011, 01:02 AM

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that nothing at a movie theatre is going to be healthy. Hot "buttered" popcorn, Raisinettes and M & M's in overpriced boxes, Coke by the two-litre tub, hot dogs, nachos, the whole bit.

Wow, the new healthcare (f)law is getting really in people's faces about all the information about everything on a menu. People need to educate themselves about nutrition so the government doesn't have to do it.

Mr. Television · 04-06-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

I also rarely eat fast food, maybe once or twice a month.

The only time I had fast food a little more regularly was when McDonald's had their limited run of the McRibs a few months ago. I made sure to go to a McDonald's if I happened to come across one.

I only went to a McDonalds once when they had that. I wish I went more because I don't know when they'll have them again.

04-04-2011, 10:49 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,175	FDA Decides That Movie Theaters Do Not Have To Show Calorie Counts Update: No Calorie Counts at Movie Theater Concession Stands By Mike Bracken Posted Apr 4th 2011 The FDA wanted theaters -- just like restaurants -- to post nutritional information on every item they served so consumers could make healthier food choices. Theater owners got some good news today. The FDA has decided that movie theaters will be exempt from the new nutrition info rules. These new rules come as a result of last year's health care overhaul law, which mandated that any chain restaurant or similar establishment that served food at more than 20 locations post nutrition info for all of their menu items where they could be seen by patrons. The FDA has tweaked the requirements and now only establishments where the primary objective is to sell food, or where more than half of the location's space is devoted to food sales, will be required to post the info. This means places like theaters, bowling alleys and carnivals are off the hook. It will still apply to supermarkets and convenience stores that serve ready-to-eat items, though. This is good news for theater owners, who don't want you realizing that large popcorn and 64 oz. soda contain more calories than you're supposed to eat in a day. The new law had the support of the restaurant industry, if only because it creates a national standard for them to adhere to instead of leaving the rules in the hands of individual cities and states. However, theater owners chafed at the idea, saying they weren't in the business of selling meals. "We're not restaurants where people go to eat and satisfy themselves," said Gary Klein, the National Association of Theater Owners' general counsel. "It's dinner and a movie, not dinner at a movie." Some are displeased by the loophole that will allow theaters to continue to serve unhealthy food to patrons without them knowing how bad it is. Margo G. Wootan, director of nutrition policy of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said "It doesn't matter whether you happen to be watching a movie while you're eating. Those calories still count." Wootan certainly has a point, but the question remains – does anyone think a large tub of popcorn and a gallon of soda is actually good for them? Nutrition information that points out the deceptive and devious practices of restaurants (places where things like a salad are worse for you than a burger and fries) is helpful, but do we really need the nutrition values for theater snacks? Given our country's ever-increasing waistline, maybe we do. For the time being, though, many will continue to munch popcorn and slurp soda in ignorance of just how bad it is for them. http://blog.moviefone.com/2011/04/04...ession-stands/ Attached Images

04-05-2011, 05:30 PM	#2
Zebra 3 Striped Tomato Forum Veteran Join Date: Jun 26, 2002 Location: Bay City Posts: 5,812	McOuthouse is probably considering showing McMovies.
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04-05-2011, 06:37 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Nobody goes to the movies for their health anyway! They go to relax and enjoy themselves. And seeing those calorie counts wouldn't have been very relaxing!!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

04-06-2011, 01:02 AM	#7
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,619	It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that nothing at a movie theatre is going to be healthy. Hot "buttered" popcorn, Raisinettes and M & M's in overpriced boxes, Coke by the two-litre tub, hot dogs, nachos, the whole bit. Wow, the new healthcare (f)law is getting really in people's faces about all the information about everything on a menu. People need to educate themselves about nutrition so the government doesn't have to do it.
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion

04-05-2011, 07:30 PM	#4
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,175	The fast food joints around here, McDonald's and BK, have all added the calorie thing to their menus. People still go there and eat their food. I was reading some reports that these calorie charts have done little to nothing in changing people's eating habits. The calorie count thing seems to be useless.