recent study from NYU researchers (International Journal of Obesity) examined whether teenagers, notably heavy fast-food habitu�s, were reading the calorie info posted at restaurants. They found no difference in food choice before and after calorie labeling. After comparing the buying habits of 349 children and adolescents in New York and New Jersey, labels had no effect on their purchases.

City by city, state by state, menu calorie labeling is fast becoming the law of the land. No doubt, Americans love their fast food. Most public-health experts believe that overeating is best managed with education. If we could just give people the right nutritional information at the time of their food selection, they�ll make healthier meal choices.

However, studies have largely failed to show that posting calorie information will reduce the amount of unhealthful calories consumed. Now, a Washington State study confirms the lack of effectiveness of mandatory menu labeling. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, reports that the total number of sales and average calories per order were the same, regardless of whether the restaurant labeled its menu.