An overwhelming majority of That's Fit readers say Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) missed the mark on their new, watered-down nutritional labeling policy. As I reported a few days ago, after parents and students voiced concern that nutritional labels posted directly next to individual cafeteria offerings could lead to or worsen eating disorders, HUDS reviewed the situation and pulled the labels. Nutritional details are now only available in cafeteria kiosks or on the Internet.

As of yesterday, nearly 100 That's Fit readers responded to our poll asking the question, "Did HUDS make the right decision?" Here are the results:

• 61.7 percent voted No
  
• 19.1 percent voted Yes
  
• 18.1 percent were undecided, voting 'this is a tough one, I'm unsure'.

Reader comments varied, with one person wondering why we should cater to every neurosis out there, while another thought HUDS really did the right thing. Personally, I was initially in the 'undecided' department, but ultimately voted 'no' in the poll minutes after publishing the post. Eating disorders are serious problems for a minority, while nutritional labeling is an important educational tool for the masses. The new trend of labeling food visually at point-of-purchase has powerful potential to steer us toward healthier choices. Any more thoughts out there?

Source

A recent poll of 100 NYC women revealed 79 percent like the new law requiring restaurants to post calories on menu items, and 55 percent said they're ordering less now that they have a clue. Displaying calorie totals at point of purchase -- what could be wrong with that, right? Well, there's another side -- what if you have an eating disorder?

Just this year, Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) pulled nutritional index cards from dining halls in response to both student and parent concerns those cards could lead to or worsen eating disorders. While nutritional details are no longer co-starring with the food, full disclosure is available via dining hall kiosks and the Internet. Read the full explanation from HUDS Executive Director, Ted A. Mayer, here.

A handful of student comments on Mayer's blog post is mixed. One student says displayed nutrition helps student athletes and those who are overweight or watching their weight. Her exact question was, "You're going to deprive us the ability to eat healthily because some don't eat enough?" Another student pointed out you don't need up close nutrition facts to know how to eat healthy -- everyone knows the salad bar is nutritious. Did HUDS make the right decision? Vote in the poll or give us your thoughts in a comment below.

Source