A new study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Healthy Eating Research program and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that over 14 years fast food has only modestly increased nutritious offerings (see http://www.ajpmonline.org/webfiles/images/journals/amepre/AMEPRE_3772-stamped-050713.pdf) . Much improvement is still needed.

Across the eight restaurants, the Healthy Eating Index (a metric developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture) increased over the 14-year period. But, the increase was modest, from 45 in 1997/1998 to 48 in 2009/2010. This tiny increase is disappointing given the many pronouncements by companies that they have added healthier menu options, switched to healthier cooking fats, are reducing sodium, and are touting other changes in company press releases and advertising.

In a commentary accompanying the article (see http://www.ajpmonline.org/webfiles/images/journals/amepre/AMEPRE_3789-stamped-050713.pdf), I lay out some key ways that restaurants could offer and promote healthier options. And again emphasize, nutrition matters when people eat out since people get about a third of their calories from eating out.



Margo G. Wootan, D.Sc.
Director, Nutrition Policy
Center for Science in the Public Interest
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Washington, D.C. 20005
202-777-8354
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www.cspinet.org/nutritionpolicy

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