Center for Consumer Freedom

Washington - Today, the Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) pointed to new findings published in Health Affairs, a health policy journal, which proves that CCF was justified in its longtime opposition to menu labels. The study found there was no change in calories consumed by New Yorkers after the introduction of mandatory menu labeling in New York City.

The Center for Consumer Freedom was the most vocal opponent of New York City's menu labeling scheme, battling the measure until 2008, when New York imposed what CCF dubbed its "government sponsored guilt" plan. CCF has relentlessly argued that there is no evidence that menu labeling would significantly influence a consumer's choice about what to eat.

"I don't like saying 'I told you so,' but given the city's arrogance in implementing such an unproven policy, it's warranted," said J. Justin Wilson, CCF's Senior Research Analyst. "Menu labeling was never anything other than a state-sponsored guilt complex. New Yorkers have always known the difference between a banana and a banana split.

The study compared a group of New Yorkers to citizens from Newark, New Jersey on how menu labeling affects their decision on what to order. The scholars' research determined that there was no significant change in New Yorkers' calorie intake after the introduction of mandatory nutrition information. The conclusions prove once again that calorie labeling is an ineffective measure to fight the causes of obesity.

"Whether it's menu labeling, soda taxes, or salt shaker bans, New York City regulators seem dead-set on demonizing and regulating more aspects of New Yorkers' personal lives."

The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit coalition supported by restaurants, food companies, and consumers, working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices.

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