McDonalds To Start Putting Calorie Counts In Lights

In a move towards further nutritional disclosure, United States locations of McDonalds restaurants are getting ready to display the calorie count of their menu items in lights - making it easier for customers to know exactly what they are ordering and eating.  At the present, McDonalds locations list nutritional information elsewhere - off the main menu.  This move will display the information front and center.

Nationally, all restaurants with 20 or more locations will have to disclose such information - starting at a later date this year.  It appears that McDonalds is making the changes ahead of the requirement.

A few years ago, McDonalds wasn't so open about their nutritional information.

When labeling proposals were gaining steam several years ago, McDonald's representatives publicly opposed them. A common complaint was that rules from one jurisdiction to another were inconsistent. Some officials also said calorie disclosures would violate customer privacy.

Cindy Goody, senior director of nutrition for McDonald's USA, described the company's latest move as a way to help its customers understand their food choices.

Along the way, McDonalds has implemented other changes which help to address the nutritional-challenges a fast food restaurant faces.  They've added fruits and oatmeal to their lunch and breakfast offerings, and they also bundled a "Favorites Under 400" menu.

U.S. McDonald's to put calorie counts in lights | Reuters.