Top chef criticises plan to put calories on menus

THE PROSPECT of high-end eateries being forced to display calories on menus has been criticised by a top chef and by the body representing restaurants.

Michelin star chef Oliver Dunne and the Restaurants Association of Ireland were reacting to a suggestion by the Minister for Health that all types of restaurants should be included in the Government’s anti-obesity measure.

Dr James Reilly opened a consultation process about displaying calorie information on menus last Thursday in an effort to tackle Ireland’s growing obesity problem.

The Minister said he wanted “all restaurants” to be included and that action after consultation would be “up to and including legislation” if the industry did not comply. Asked if all types of outlets, from high end to fast food, would be included, he replied “absolutely”.

The consultation is on foot of a recommendation from the department’s obesity action group that fast-food restaurants and coffee shops should display calories.

It would be a “very costly” exercise for restaurants, Mr Dunne said. Almost daily he changed items on the menu in one of his outlets at Bon Appetit, Malahide, Co Dublin.

Placing calories on the menu could also harm business, he added. Restaurants were “not responsible for obesity”. Most people go to them for special occasions but might be eating processed food at home or fast food the rest of the time, he said.

Public submissions from consumers and industry are being handled by the Food Safety Authority and close on February 29th.

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