Varadkar to press ahead with calorie counts on food menus

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar is to press ahead with compulsory calorie counts on food menus after a survey commissioned by his department showed only 7 per cent of food businesses are providing the information on a voluntary basis.

Mr Varadkar said he was "even more determined" to have the measure passed by the Oireachtas and enacted next year after the evaluation by University College Cork showed most businesses are not displaying information voluntarily.

"The State has made a conscious effort to support businesses, including the online calorie calculator provided by the Food Safety Authority. I appreciate that it can be difficult for some businesses in particular which change their menus on a regular basis. But when uptake is that low, it's clear we need to take further action."

Government approval for mandatory posting of calorie information has already been obtained, and is the subject of a public and industry consultation process. This process is closed and the results are currently being analysed.

Restaurants and other food businesses have argued against the proposal, largely on cost grounds.