North Wales MS backs eating disorder charity’s call for rethink on mandatory calorie menu labelling in Wales

A North Wales Senedd Member has warned of the negative impact the introduction of mandatory calorie labelling on menus could have on those living with eating disorders.

Mark Isherwood  MS is urging the Welsh Government to reconsider its plans.

Ministers are proposing to introduce mandatory calorie labelling in restaurants, cafes and pubs.

The Welsh Government outlined its plans in the consultation document Healthy Food Environment as part of a 10-year strategy to prevent and reduce obesity across Wales.

The consultation, which ended in September said that food eaten outside of the home makes up 20% to 25% of adult calorie intake and that eating out frequently, including buying takeaway meals, contributes to an overconsumption of calories.

“A further issue with restaurant and takeaway food is that customers tend to underestimate the number of calories in large portions and calorie dense meals,” the document said.

“Portions of food or drink eaten out or as takeaway meals typically contain twice as many calories as their equivalent bought in a shop.”pex

Raising the matter in the Senedd Chamber during a Business Statement earlier this week, Mr Isherwood warned of the dangers of introducing mandatory calorie labelling on menus, highlighting the concerns raised by eating disorder charity ‘Beat’.

He said: “Research has found that using menu labels to limit calories has been shown to be related to binge eating amongst women and to be associated with more weight-related concerns, dieting and unhealthy weight-control behaviours amongst both women and men.”

“Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, met with Lynne Neagle MS, the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being, last week to deliver an open letter signed by almost 700 people living in Wales who are urging the Welsh Government to reconsider introducing mandatory calorie labelling on menus.”

“This followed a survey they conducted that asked those in Wales living with or affected by eating disorders to give their thoughts on the proposal, and 98 per cent of respondents felt that calorie labelling on menus would have a negative impact on those living with eating disorders.”

One said, ‘I’ve already witnessed the fear she feels at the thought of being faced with calories on menus and slipping back into the grips of anorexia. This terrifies me too. The detrimental effect that this could have on people with eating disorders is huge.’

Mr Isherwood said: “We therefore need to know if and how the Deputy Minister can justify implementing legislation that would cause harm to those suffering with eating disorders and risk isolating those who may already feel isolated from society even further. I call for a Statement accordingly.”

The Trefnydd replied: “I think it is about a balance. I am aware the Deputy Minster had the meeting to which the Member alluded and is currently considering a way forward.”