Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Health Department: Calorie Info Law Is Totally Working
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 28, 2011
Modified Feb 28, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Feb 28, 2011
Modified Feb 28, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
According to numerous independent studies, the posted calorie counts now required at the city's chain restaurants have little impact on the eating habits of most adults and teenagers, with some adults ordering more calories than they would before the rule went into effect. But according to unreleased data from the city's Health Department, the calorie counts sort of help sometimes. The Department tells us, "The two main points are that our new research shows that the 15% of fast-food patrons in the city who use the information eat an average of 106 fewer calories than those who don't see or ignore the calorie content." The other 85% just want their Shamrock Shakes.
City officials say that 100 calories a day is enough to theoretically lose 7.5 pounds in a year. Cathy Nonas, a director of physical activity and nutrition programs in the health department, told Crain's, “If this became federal law, it would affect a huge number of people who want to be conscious about their calories." The study, which reviewed 12,000 receipts from city fast-food restaurants since 2009, is currently being peer-reviewed for possible publication. However, small business lobbyist Richard Lipsky said the numbers are too small to really say they make a difference. "They should be taken with a grain of salt," he said. “No pun intended." Don't worry, Bloomberg wouldn't let us anyway.
Tagged
calorie count
counting calories
diet
health department
mayor bloomberg
study
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Sep 12, 2026
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.
By
Sonia Rao
Food
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
Is it worth the high price and ridiculous wait? Gothamist needed to find out.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Can a congressional candidate's dumpling diplomacy win over Queens’ immigrant communities?
By
Caroline Shin
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .