Big Mac with a Side of Information: Calorie Content Now Displayed at McDonald's
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: September 17, 2012
BLOOMINGTON--When people walk into a McDonald's restaurant, they're greeted with dozens of fast food options, complete with their own nutrition facts.
So placing an order at the golden arches is kind of like a numbers game.
"My favorite food is the cheeseburger!" said Sandy McCain.
That sandwich is 300 calories.
Large fry?
500 big ones.
Top it off with ice cream for dessert, and people are sitting at a whopping 1,040 calorie meal.
"Sometimes it's not too justifiable! But sometimes you just go ahead and do it," McCain laughs.
McDonald's is now displaying calorie content next to each menu item.
The change is part of a federal mandate,
"We're taking the lead at this time. McDonald's is, throughout the country to get our calorie counts up there sooner rather than later," said Twin Cities franchise owner Bob Dobski.
All fast food chains have to post counts in stores by the end of next year.
"I'm sure there's some that are shocking, you know, I'm an angus lover so for me it was like 'Whoa! That's up there!" said store manager Michelle Spicer.
While the calorie content in some items can be eye opening, (a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is nearly 750 calories) staff say it's all about moderation.
"If you have an angus, have apples with it," said Spicer. "If you're having something that's a little bit higher, pick something a little bit lower."
With McDonald's recent "Favorites under 400 Calories" menu, the hope is more people will continue to dine...just with a little more discipline.
"You could have a Big Mac one day, and a salad the next day, and an Egg McMuffin the next day, so there you go," said Dobski.
McDonald's says health information has never been a secret.
For years it's posted calorie counts on its tray liners and has kept nutrition guides in the store.
So placing an order at the golden arches is kind of like a numbers game.
"My favorite food is the cheeseburger!" said Sandy McCain.
That sandwich is 300 calories.
Large fry?
500 big ones.
Top it off with ice cream for dessert, and people are sitting at a whopping 1,040 calorie meal.
"Sometimes it's not too justifiable! But sometimes you just go ahead and do it," McCain laughs.
McDonald's is now displaying calorie content next to each menu item.
The change is part of a federal mandate,
"We're taking the lead at this time. McDonald's is, throughout the country to get our calorie counts up there sooner rather than later," said Twin Cities franchise owner Bob Dobski.
All fast food chains have to post counts in stores by the end of next year.
"I'm sure there's some that are shocking, you know, I'm an angus lover so for me it was like 'Whoa! That's up there!" said store manager Michelle Spicer.
While the calorie content in some items can be eye opening, (a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is nearly 750 calories) staff say it's all about moderation.
"If you have an angus, have apples with it," said Spicer. "If you're having something that's a little bit higher, pick something a little bit lower."
With McDonald's recent "Favorites under 400 Calories" menu, the hope is more people will continue to dine...just with a little more discipline.
"You could have a Big Mac one day, and a salad the next day, and an Egg McMuffin the next day, so there you go," said Dobski.
McDonald's says health information has never been a secret.
For years it's posted calorie counts on its tray liners and has kept nutrition guides in the store.
