March 10, 2009

NEXTEP Addresses Nutritional Information Legislation Issues

Legislation has been passed in many states requiring quick-serve and fast-casual restaurants to display nutritional content for their customers.

The bills passed include restaurants with 15 or more locations. Information displayed for each menu item must include calories, carbohydrates, fat and sodium content. These ordinances include coffee shops, ice cream parlors and convenience stores.

According to QSR Magazine.com, Senator David Harrington of Maryland said, "Websites, posters, and tray liners are just not working, so restaurants need to post nutrition information right on the menu where people can see and use it. It is just common sense." Read the entire story here.

Nutritional and calorie content are rapidly becoming very important for all Americans today – National Restaurant Association research shows that 3 out of 4 adults are trying to eat healthier than they were 2 years ago. 27% of Americans have gone online to search for nutritional information about restaurant food.

NEXTEP provides a low-cost solution to meet these expanding directives by implementing digital menu boards and touch-screen nutritional information kiosks.

Digital Menu Boards and self-service kiosks offered by NEXTEP are able to display all of the nutritional information needed. It is a low cost measure to deliver highly targeted information and use dynamic messaging with greater impact. They can easily be updated as menu offerings change, with zero printing and distribution costs. Restaurants can also incorporate daily special advertisements and target promotions – it truly is a 21st Century standard.

Legislation includes Maryland, New York City, California, Pennsylvania and takes effect January 1, 2010.

Contact NEXTEP SYSTEMS if you would like to know more.