McDonald's to Include Calorie Count on Menus

Would you continue to eat the Big Mac if you knew how many calories it had?

McDonald’s will begin posting calorie information on the menu boards of its U.S. stores next week. The world’s biggest restaurant chain has long faced criticism that its unhealthy food items contribute to the national obesity epidemic; currently, more than one-third of adults and about 17 percent of children are considered obese in the United States. McDonald's will also test a healthier menu, including egg-white breakfast sandwiches and a 350-calorie sweet chili chicken wrap. In comparison, a Big Mac sandwich has 550 calories, while a 12-ounce vanilla milkshake has 530 calories. “We feel it’s important to do this for our customers. Calories are just part of the story,” said Jan Fields, president of McDonald’s USA. The calorie counts will also be listed at drive-through windows. Vegetarian-only locations have also launched. (Bloomberg)