Movie Theaters Exempt From Displaying Calorie-Count On Snack Bar Menu

Along with the Obama administration's healthcare overhaul last year, new regulations are requiring chain restaurants and similar establishments that serve food at 20 or more locations to display calorie counts for menu items.

However, the FDA has decided that this new policy does not include movie theaters because they are limiting the law to extend only to establishments whose primary purpose was to sell food.

Some are considering this exclusion a real bummer because a large tub of popcorn can contain up to 1500 calories, while a large soda contains 500!

Margo G. Wootan, director of nutrition policy of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said:

“It doesn’t matter whether you happen to be watching a movie while you’re eating, those calories still count.”

We couldn't agree more! However, we hope that the bombardment of nutritional information at major food outlets will lead people to consider healthier options ANYWHERE they order food.

Other establishments that will remain unaffected by the new laws designed to curb national obesity include bowling alleys, carnivals, and airplanes, as well as alcohol because the FDA does not have the necessary jurisdiction.

The FDA hopes to finish these rules by the end of the year and place them in effect in 2012, but will be accepting consumer and industry feedback on the new calorie-counting rules before making them official.

Movie theaters aren't totally exempt just yet either!

Although the new federal legislation does not extend to ALL food vendors, local governments will be free to create laws for establishments that were left outside the federal rules.

That's right! The power of democracy may still require movie theaters to display calorie count if the local population demands it, so make sure to talk to your local government officials to make it happen.

Tags: alcohol, calories, nutrition, obesity, popcorn, restaurant, restaurants, soda, theater