Restaurant chiefs have accused the Government of “ramming through” new laws to enforce calorie counts on menus.
The Restaurants Association of Ireland blasted the plans as “nanny-statism at its best.”
Chief Adrian Cummins slammed the proposed new legislation which would see calories on menus becoming mandatory for all restaurants, pubs, catering establishments and eateries.
He insisted it will snow hard-working chefs under with red tape and paperwork.
Mr Cummins said: “It looks like this proposed legislation for presenting calories on menus is being rammed through by the Government with little thought about the negative effects it will have. This really is nanny-statism at its best.
“Enforcing calorie count menus will cost the state tens of millions of euro to implement, money that would quite frankly be better spent elsewhere.”
The Department of Health said the proposal aims to “ensure that calorie information is available at the point of choice for the consumer” as more consumers opt for take-aways, eating on the go, and restaurant meals.
Ireland is facing an obesity crisis and has one of the most over-weight populations in the EU. A spokesman added: “Its objective is to empower customers to make informed choices about the food they consume and provide the information they need to manage their calorie intake.” The RAI said it wants diners to be educated instead of being hit with new laws – starting in schools.
Mr Cummins added: “We want to see Home Economics or Food Science equivalent mandatory in Second-Level and we need more comprehensive food education on the Primary education syllabus.”
The RAI also insisted calorie counts alone are not a measure of healthy menus and are only one part of calculating a healthy diet.
“Restaurants by their very design are for occasions and we as an industry have confidence in our customers knowing a restaurant meal is just that, a treat.”
