November 2012

Not waiting for federal regulations that would require chain restaurants to post calorie counts, the nation’s largest fast-food company has added those numbers to all its menu boards and drive-thru menus. “It’s the right thing to do,” said Greg Watson, senior vice president for menu innovation at McDonald’s. The Affordable Care Act called for all chain restaurants to provide calorie data at the point of purchase, but the Food and Drug Administration is still reviewing the implementation of that rule. McDonald’s move, expected to prompt similar actions by competitors, may reveal some surprises: The highest-calorie choice on Mc- Donald’s menus turns out not to be a burger but rather the 16-ounce M&M McFlurry, at 930 calories—as much as three cheeseburgers. McDonald’s also announced it would be adding more healthy seasonal fruit and vegetable options, and that it’s testing an egg-white, whole-grain breakfast sandwich.