05.02.2015
HOTELIERS WARN MANDATORY CALORIE-LABELLING ENTIRELY INAPPROPRIATE FOR HOTELS
 
Thursday, 5th February 2015: The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today warned against the introduction of mandatory labelling of calories on menus in hotels and guesthouses. Commenting on the Government decision to implement a mandatory system for restaurants and other food outlets, IHF President Stephen McNally said that the scheme must remain voluntary for hotels and guesthouses.
 
Mr McNally expressed concerns about any adoption of an indiscriminate ‘one size fits all’approach to mandatory calorie labelling, which he said would be unworkable for hotels and guesthouses, many of whose menus change on a daily basis reflecting the use of locally sourced produce and seasonally available ingredients. It would have the effect of stifling creativity in food businesses that are not part of the underlying health issue. 
 
He said: “Our members are very concerned that the proposed calorie labelling scheme does not take account of the challenges faced by hotels and guesthouses whose menus constantly change. While such a scheme would be would be appropriate for certain food service establishments, it would be unworkable for many of our members.”
 
ENDS
 
FOR INFORMATION:
Natalie Christie                                Mobile: 086 394 7729
Weber Shandwick                            Tel: 01 6760168                
 
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