Chain Leader

David Farkas

Less is more when it comes to the new rules
February 18, 2008

 Until I read Saturday's New York Times, I hadn't heard of the Obesity Society, "a leading organization of obesity doctors and scientists," notes the paper of record. In a front-page article in the business section, reporter Stephanie Saul writes that the group's in-coming president, Dr. David B. Allison, has filed a controversial affidavit with United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
   It seems Dr. Allison has a beef with new menu labeling requirements New York City is imposing on chain restaurants, which take effect at the end of March. He's against them:
   "In the filing, Dr. Allison argues that the new rules could backfire — whether by adding to the forbidden-fruit allure of high-calorie foods or by sending patrons away hungry enough that they will later gorge themselves even more," the paper reports.
   It shouldn't surprise anyone that the Obesity Society's other members scarcely share the doctor's opinion. In fact, many sharply object to it. 
   But before you shout, "See, I told you those rules were a dumb idea," consider that Dr. Allison may not be as objective as one might like. In addition to "advisory roles" with major food companies, he has been retained recently as a consultant by the New York Restaurant Association, a major opponent of the new measures.
   I have to admit, whatever Dr. Allison's motivation is, I'm with him about eating habits. You order a salad for lunch and by 3 p.m. you're starving -- and not for more salad, either. You want something substantial, like a double-cheeseburger and fries. But how many people outside the industry can duck out for that snack? It's more likely they'll scarf down some non-nutritional item from a vending machine. Then, on the way home, they'll likely cave in again, stopping for a bite to satiate their hunger. Unless, they know there's a couple of big steaks in the fridge.  
   Still, I'm eager to see if waistlines or sales shrink faster once the number of calories in each menu item is prominently posted.
  

Posted by David Farkas on February 18, 2008 | Comments (0)