The report recommends the introduction of a calorie menu labelling scheme for food service businesses. The report also recommends that the scheme should be operated on a voluntary basis initially to allow a period of time for the development of a system, including technical tools, to support the food service sector.
One Hotel Group in Ireland that contacted me to say they are already offering a comprehensive nutritional analysis of each dish on their menus is Carton House based in Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
Their restaurant's menus include allergen & lifestyle symbols with calorie counting and provide an online nutritional breakdown on their website for guests to check out meal options in advance.
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| Allergen & Lifestyle Symbols by HealthPro.ie |
The company have used a system devised by HealthPro who were featured on RTE's 'Operation Transformation' TV program. The Dublin-based nutrition & exercise company work along side the head chef or other appointed person to provide an establishment with a comprehensive nutritional analysis of each dish on the menu. All Food items have had their calorific value calculated based on their portion size and are marked using trademarked Allergen & Lifestyle Symbols.
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| Breakfast Menu at Browns Bar & Cafe |
Browns Bar and Café by Carton House is housed on the lower ground
level of Brown Thomas in Grafton Street. "Our Menu recognises the many varied dietary
requirements and lifestyle choices that exist today" said David Webster, General Manager for Carton House. "They include a variety of dishes from healthy breakfasts
and mid-morning snacks to afternoon tea and desserts all clearly marked with
content information to cater for all allergen, lifestyle and dietary
requirements."
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| The Calorie and Allergens displayed on the menu at the Coach House Restaurant |
The
Coach House Restaurant Menu
contains traditional dishes that have wheat free, dairy free, vegan, and gluten
free options available, all clearly marked. They pride themselves on using local and Irish produce. "The introduction of new healthier options on the kids menus including Baked Salmon and Roast Chicken will take the stress and
hard work out of dining out as a family" said Mr Webster.
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| The Allergen & Lifestyle Symbols are explained on the menu |
See www.cartonhouse.com for more & www.HealthPro.ie for more information on Menu Analysis.