B.C. launches voluntary nutrition program

(Aug. 22/11) In consultation with CRFA, the British Columbia government has launched an “Informed Dining” program to help patrons make informed choices when eating out. This voluntary program, launched in mid August, helps customers identify restaurants that provide nutrition information for all standard menu items.

Program requirements
All B.C. restaurants are eligible to participate. (Participation is mandatory for foodservice establishments in health care facilities.) Participating restaurants must:

CRFA action
The B.C. Informed Dining program was developed after a year of consultations between the Ministry of Health and CRFA on mandatory and voluntary nutrition disclosure proposals.

For years CRFA has encouraged the industry to be part of a solution that makes the healthy choice the easy choice. In 2005, a number of national chains joined us in launching CRFA’s Nutrition Information Program – our program now has 33 chain participants. B.C.’s Informed Dining Program fits within CRFA’s Healthy Living Strategy and shines a positive light on those establishments already providing menu nutrition information – such as those participating in CRFA’s Nutrition Information Program – while encouraging others to follow suit. Our priority is to develop a national nutrition information framework, and B.C’s Informed Dining Program is an important first step.

Need more information?
Click here for more information about B.C.’s Informed Dining program, including an expression of interest form, technical guide and guide to nutritional analysis.