Statement by American Dietetic Association Supporting Scientifically Valid, Informative...

Statement by American Dietetic Association Supporting Scientifically Valid,
Informative Restaurant Labeling as Part of Health Reform

WASHINGTON, June 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was
issued Wednesday, June 10, by registered dietitian and American Dietetic
Association President Jessie M. Pavlinac, following a press conference by U.S.
Sen. Tom Harkin (D.-Iowa) announcing an agreement on national restaurant menu
labeling to be included in the Senate's Committee on Health, Education, Labor
and Pension's draft of health-care reform legislation.

"The American Dietetic Association is a strong advocate for policies that will
improve the lives of Americans through food and nutrition strategies. There is
no goal more important in the current debate over health reform than to have a
lasting, positive impact on all Americans' health. Nutrition is at the
foundation of health - necessary to be healthy and effective in preventing
delaying, offsetting and managing disease. We support policies that facilitate
good nutrition, including consumer-tested nutrition information and education
and financial support for research.

"We see the inclusion of restaurant menu labeling provisions in health reform
appropriate to achieving that goal. People need scientifically valid and
understandable nutrition information to make healthful choices in all venues,
including restaurants. Providing good, accurate and tested information to a
consumer educated in nutrition basics can have a powerful effect on food
selection at the point of sale. Over time, the act of millions of people
making healthful choices can impact the health of the nation and improve the
food supply by consumer demand.

"A national approach will be helpful to consumers' utilization and
understanding of the information presented. Basic information on the menu or
menu board would be complemented with more detailed information on fat,
saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, complex
carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber and protein being available upon request.

"For those who simply want to maintain their health and those who need to
manage their diets to offset chronic disease, such information is important.
Research has shown that nutrition labeling in restaurants can beneficially
influence food choices for some consumers. However, nutrition information
alone is not enough. Nutrition education is critical.

"ADA commends your work on behalf of better nutrition policies and programs.
ADA will seek implementation that does credit to this effort by ensuring
evaluation and continued dialogue to ensure a positive consumer impact."

The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food
and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation's health
and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and
advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

SOURCE American Dietetic Association

Tom Ryan, +1-800-877-1600, ext. 4894, media@eatright.org; or Jennifer Weber,
+1-800-877-0877