Informed Dining program coming to Ontario

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Over the next few months, Ontario restaurant guests will start to see the Informed Dining logo at their favourite chain restaurants.  At an event today announcing the Manitoba government's adoption of the Informed Dining program, it was announced that more than two dozen restaurant chains are introducing the program across the country.

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) is pleased these companies are rolling out Informed Dining, and looks forward to more provincial and territorial governments adopting this national program so that consumers have access to nutrition information in a standard format, right across the country.

The government of British Columbia developed Informed Dining in conjunction with the restaurant industry.  Participating restaurants are required to:

• Display the Informed Dining logo and directional statement on the menu and menu board to let diners know the information is available
• Provide nutrition information  (calories and 13 core nutrients) for all standard menu items and highlight calorie and sodium content
• Provide information regarding daily calorie and sodium requirements

"CRFA is proud of our work with government officials and our members to develop and launch Informed Dining across the country," said James Rilett, CRFA's Vice President, Ontario.  "Customers in Ontario will be able to take advantage of this innovative program."

"Commitment to the initiative is illustrated by the participation in today's launch in Manitoba by iconic restaurant brands: Boston Pizza, Dairy Queen/ Orange Julius, McDonald's, Subway, and Tim Hortons," said CRFA President and CEO Garth Whyte.  "These are some of the more than two dozen leading restaurant chains that are implementing Informed Dining, and will be rolling it out across the country."

Visit www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/informed-dining for the Informed Dining website.

CRFA is one of Canada's largest business associations, with 30,000 members representing restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and other foodservice providers. Ontario's restaurant industry generates $25-billion annually in economic activity and is the fourth-largest private-sector employer with more than 425,000 direct jobs.

SOURCE: Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association

Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, Communications Specialist, 1-800-387-5649, ext. 4254 or [email protected], or James Rilett, Vice President Ontario, 416-738-9546.