Restaurant Bill Update

The great Canadian restaurant labelling debate continues. Bill C-379, a private member's bill to amend the Food and Drugs Act (food labelling), was reintroduced to the new session of Parliament in May 2005. The modified bill proposes that fast-food chains post the number of calories of food items beside the prices on menu boards. The controversial bill also wants full-service restaurant chains, where more spacious menus are provided, to display the amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium.

According to the Centre for Science in the Public Interest (www.cspinet.org/canada), the proposed amendments are consistent with government commitments to tackle diet-related disease and promote healthier living. Canadian consumers love the idea, but the restaurant industry finds the idea less than appetizing.