Urge McDonald's to Stop Opposing Menu Labeling

Tracking down nutrition information at fast-food and other chain restaurants can be a scavenger hunt.  Most restaurants that have information use websites, which aren’t available in the restaurant where you are ordering, while others use pamphlets, electronic kiosks, posters, or table tents.  Some restaurants also use tray liners, cash register receipts, and labeling on food packaging that you cannot see until after you have already purchased your meal.

A large study found that even at McDonald's, a company that prides itself on supplying nutrition information to its customers, only 5% of customers leaving the restaurant had seen the nutrition information.  Providing nutrition information on menus and menu boards would provide a standardized place where people could easily find and use nutrition information at chain restaurants.

Please urge McDonald's to stop keeping its customers in the dark and instead, provide nutrition information where people can find and use it – on the menu board.

McDonald's Tray Liner                                                    Menu Board in New York City

[Tell me more: www.menulabeling.org]

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I recognize McDonald's corporate commitment to provide nutrition information for its standard menu items. However, that information is only useful if your customers can see and use it before making purchases.

In a recent study in New York City, only 5% of your customers saw the nutrition information at McDonald's restaurants. Information on the Internet or tray-liners is not very helpful when you're weighing your choices at a restaurant. Posters and pamphlets can be hard to find and use.

People have become use to having nutrition information on packaged foods in grocery stores, and we want it in chain restaurants; 80% of Americans support menu labeling.

I urge McDonald's to stop opposing menu labeling policies in states and cities across the country. McDonald's should instead support those measures and its customers' health by providing nutrition information where people can find it and use it-- along with the listing of menu options and prices on menu boards.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
September 16, 2008