Availability of nutrition information from chain restaurants in the United States

BACKGROUND: Although obesity and poor dietary habits are complex multifactorial problems, away-from-home food has been identified as one likely and important contributor. Restaurants provide a growing and substantial portion of the average American's diet, yet the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA), which went into effect in 1994, explicitly exempts restaurants from most labeling requirements. Thus, this study examined the availability of nutrition information from the largest chain restaurants in the United States. METHODS: Between January and August 2004, we surveyed the 300 largest chain restaurants by telephone, e-mail, or examining company websites (response rate was 96%). The top chains, as ranked by revenue, were selected based on 2002 ratings in Restaurants and Institutions. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of the 287 largest chain restaurants made some nutrition information available. Forty-four percent had nutrition information for the majority of their standard menu items. We found no significant differences in the availability of nutrition information based on the size of the restaurant chain. Of those restaurants with nutrition information, 86% provided information on the company website. CONCLUSIONS: The number of restaurants providing nutrition information has increased over the last 10 years. However, making informed and healthful food choices is hampered by the absence of nutrition information at many restaurants. Given the growing and significant role that away-from-home foods play in Americans' diets, the Surgeon General and the National Academies' Institute of Medicine recommend that nutrition information be available to customers at restaurants, and state legislatures and the U.S. Congress are beginning to address the issue.