CSPI Issues 2013 “Xtreme Eating” Report
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has released its 2013 “Xtreme Eating” report, which singled out restaurant foods that are allegedly laden with excessive calories, fat and sodium. Claiming that some restaurants seem to “scientifically engineer[] these extreme meals with the express purpose of promoting obesity, diabetes, and heart disease,” the report condemns menu items from The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy and other retailers that in some cases purportedly contain as much as “four-and-a-half days’ worth” of recommended fat and more than a day’s worth of recommended calories.
“I hope the Obama Administration promptly finalizes overdue calorie labeling
rules for chain restaurants,” said CSPI Executive Director Michael Jacobson.
“Not only do Americans deserve to know what they’re eating, but, as our
Xtreme Eating ‘winners’ clearly indicate, lives are at stake. And perhaps when
calories become mandatory on menus, chains will begin innovating in a
healthier direction, instead of competing with each other to make Americans
heavier and sicker.” See CSPI Press Release, January 16, 2013.
