Caloriewise scheme

caloriewise

The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has launched a six-month pilot scheme that will see local food businesses displaying calorie information on menus for the first time. Caloriewise will encourage consumers to make more informed choices when eating out.

The Caloriewise scheme is being trialled by eight local businesses: The Streat, Sodexo Catering, Botanic Inns, Aramark and Mount Charles Catering and three local health trusts.

The Caloriewise pilot will run from 1 May to 31 October 2012. During this time, calorie information will be displayed in one or more outlets of the participating food businesses, following principles for displaying calorie information, as set out by the FSA in Northern Ireland:

  • calorie information will be displayed clearly and prominently at point of choice
  • calorie information will be provided for standardised food and drink items sold
  • calorie information will be provided per portion/item/meal
  • reference information on calorie requirements will be displayed clearly and prominently

The pilot will be evaluated to consider the practical issues for businesses, as well as to gauge consumers’ reactions and their understanding of the scheme.

A guidance document has been produced, which offers practical advice to assist catering businesses that want to apply voluntary calorie labelling. There is also a guidance document for consumers. Both are available at the links below.

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