Report reinforces work underway by industry

TORONTO, March 4, 2013 /CNW/ - The restaurant industry recognizes the serious issue of childhood obesity, as outlined in the Healthy Kids Panel report released today in Ontario.  The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) and its members are committed to being part of the solution.

The report's recommendation to require calorie posting on menus and menu boards is not inconsistent with work well underway in Ontario.  CRFA and its members have been working with provinces, territories and other stakeholders across the country on a national Informed Dining program to ensure parents have the nutrition information they need to make an informed choice in chain restaurants before ordering. The industry is committed to meet the nutritional needs of all customers, including parents, who are also asking for information on sodium; carbohydrates; fat and fibre; rather than a singular focus on calories, as recommended in the report.

"The Healthy Kids Panel report gives us the opportunity to take the Informed Dining program over the finish line," said CRFA's Vice President, Ontario, Stephanie Jones.

"Now that the panel has delivered its recommendations, we look forward to working with the government to deliver complete and consistent nutrition information to restaurant-goers in Ontario.

CRFA is one of Canada's largest business associations, with more than 30,000 members representing restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and other foodservice providers. Canada's restaurant industry employs more than one million people in communities across the country.

SOURCE: Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association

CONTACT: Stephanie Jones, 416-738-9546 or [email protected].