Originally posted by XnMeX
I think that is totally stupid, even ifit is to just draw attention to the obesity epedemic. Here is somthing that I think they need to do though. I
posted this as a myspace blog so it is a bit lengthy but on the same vein as this...
So, I wrote to Texas Roadhouse after checking out a few different major resturants websites noticing no nutritional facts. With my surgery, Chili is
a GREAT food for me to eat for protein, but if it is LOADED in fat / carbs / sugar, it defeats the purpose. I was VERY suprised with howmuch coverage
there is in the news about the "Obesity Epedemic" that major resturants are not required these facts. So, I emailed Texas Roadhouse to ask the
nutritional facts in their single cup of chili and this is what I got...
Dear Matt,
Thank you for contacting us regarding our nutritional information.
I can assure you that we are cognizant of the demand from guests such as yourself to provide this information, but there are several factors that make
this difficult.
Many of the large foodservice companies that offer specific nutritional information can do so because their food is pre-packaged and/or pre-portioned.
Since we make our food from scratch, including the bacon bits, croutons, and dressings, it is next to impossible to provide exact nutritional
information because of slight variations that depend upon who prepares the food.
We also make our bread from scratch each day and hand-cut our steaks, so again, we do not have the exact information printed when it arrives like some
foodservice operators or what you may find in the grocery store.
In addition, some stores purchase items locally, such as produce and dairy products, so the ingredients can vary from restaurant to restaurant, again
making it difficult to provide exact information.
We have attempted to provide some information in the past, but we pulled back after some guests complained we were not detailed enough. In addition,
some enterprising folks tested the food and when it fell outside the guidelines threatened legal action. As such, we stopped providing our special
gluten-free menu, for example.
In addition, many states, counties and cities across the nation are attempting to pass legislation providing restaurants with guidelines and rules for
displaying nutritional information. As a result, our efforts are on hold until we know what information will be required, the ranges that will be
allowed and how that information should be distributed.
Again, let me assure you that we are trying to find a solution so that our guests can make informed decisions. Thanks again for contacting us, and
have a great week.
Annie Pollitt
Guest Relations Coordinator
Texas Roadhouse Support Center
(502) 426-9984 ext. 222
As you can see, not very helpful. I understand what she is saying to a point, but it is a list of excuses. ALL it would take is putting disclaimers
with their nutritional facts which would be bettr than none at all. Basically somthing that says "Nutrition facts are bassed on average prepared
item. All item made fresh vary in size and possible ingedients used. The nutrition facts listed are an average and may not be 100% accurate." I
think that would at least be better than nothing. I am sure that every franchise of their resturant has the same recipes so they would not very to
the point of being WAY off.
The point I am getting at is this... They NEED to pass into law that resturants need to provide nutritional facts. Plain and simple. With all the
talk of the obesity crisis and eating right, this just makes it ALOT harder to eat out and still watch what you are eating. I think the resturants
are just afraid to show you what your eating, and that is scary.
-Monty |
