Calorie counting comes to McDonalds

Monday, 5 September 2011 9:29 AM

This week, McDonald’s will add calorie information to menus in their 1,200 UK restaurants.

Calorie information is already on most of the packaging but the move to add calories to the menus, announced by the Department of Health, is hoped to encourage families and children to make healthier choices when ordering fast food.

The move marks part of The Responsibility Deal, a Coalition initiative also supported by high street restaurants such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Pret a Manger and JD Wetherspoon, which will transform in total 5,000 high street food outlets by end of the year.

“One in six meals are now eaten outside the home and for those meals we often have no idea how many calories we are eating,” said Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.

“That is why this is such a great achievement by the Responsibility Deal. It will help people spot those hidden calories in their favourite foods and keep an eye on their waistlines.”

McDonald’s serve three million meals every day in their 1,200 UK restaurants.

Happy Meals for children include toy gifts

All About Weight wages war on McDonalds

Weight loss organisation All About Weight has launched an outspoken attack on McDonald's. Founder Alison Wetton said Ronald McDonald, the chain's clown mascot, 'is an evil influence tempting youngsters away from a healthy diet with toys'.

 New labelling branded 'one-dimensional'

'New calorie counting doesn't add up' - nutritionist

A new system of calorie labelling on food could cause more harm than good, according to a nutritionist. The Department of Health’s voluntary ‘Responsibility Deal’ will require certain businesses to display prominent calorie labelling on all food packaging from September.

Cut calories in your dessert choices

Skinny Cow launch 65 calorie dessert

Skinny Cow has been a retail success story, helping dieters with a sweet tooth cut calories without sacrificing dessert. The new range from Skinny Cow, Skinny Dippers, starts from just 65 calories, ideal for lighter summer snacking.

 food label potato

'Clearer food labeling system’ to start next year

A new system of food labeling that will make it easier for consumers to compare foods will be in use by 2013, the government announced today.
Government plans to cut daily calorie intake

Government health 'call to action' criticised

The Department of Health is launching an ambitious plan to slash five billion calories off the nation’s daily diet by opting for smarter food choices and committing to maintaining a healthy BMI in a bid to cut Britain's spiralling obesity rates.

 Subway is now the world's biggest food chain

Subway overtakes McDonalds as biggest fast food chain

Sandwich group Subway has overtaken McDonald's as the world's largest restaurant chain. While fast food will never be healthy, there are simple food swaps you can do to lessen your calorie and fat intake on the move and stay in control of your diet.

Children as young as three crave fast food

Tastebuds recognise salt, sugar and fat from childhood

Children as young as three years old can express a preference for salt, sugar and fat - and recognise fast food and fizzy drink brands, according to research from the University of Oregon.

 Shop healthier in the supermarket

Change4Life vouchers 'could make shopping more expensive'

The Government Change4Life campaign has come under fire, as new figures suggest shoppers need to spend more than £275 to cash-in their vouchers. The Children’s Food Campaign also found that some supermarket own-brand equivalent products are cheaper.

Free Newsletter

Sign up to foodnotes.co.uk's free newsletter.

Subject to terms of use and privacy policy

Broccoli helps kill cancer cells

Broccoli helps kill cancer cells

We have long been told about the health benefits of superfoods but now Sulforaphane, one of the primary phytochemicals in broccoli has been proved to selectively target and kill prostate cancer cells, leaving normal prostate cells healthy and unaffected.

Over half of Brits want to shed 'at least a stone'

weight loss

The study commissioned by diet aid manufacturer Slimsticks, also discovered that a worrying one in five people have followed an ‘eating is cheating’ starvation diet and one in ten have tried a liquid diet.

Headlines