The obligation, which came into effect on Wednesday, applies to chains, restaurants and cafes with at least 250 locations and covers all non-packaged food and soft drinks.
According to official figures, almost two thirds of adults in England are overweight and one in three children leave primary school with an unhealthy weight. “Obesity is one of the biggest health problems we have here in the country,” said a spokesman for the health ministry. “Clear data on foods plays an important role in helping people make healthier choices for themselves and their families.”
However, critics fear that calorie counting in restaurants can also have unwanted side effects. For example, the aid organization Beat criticized the government for failing to obtain expert advice on the impact the innovation could have on people suffering from eating disorders.