A year ago, we uncovered 16 dirty little secrets the restaurant industry was keeping hidden under countertops and tucked behind boardroom doors. We exposed certain chains for refusing to disclose their nutritional content, and others for refusing to remove trans fatty acids from their foods, in spite of a flood of scientific evidence that shows how harmful partially hydrogenated oils can be. The good news is that, once exposed, some of the shamed chains moved to rectify these secrets. The bad news is that some didn’t. And the even more disappointing news is that in the year since, we’ve discovered 16 new secrets that the restaurant industry would rather you never hear about. Too bad for them.
We’re sick of false advertising, misleading health claims, and fast food chains that refuse to acknowledge (and mitigate) their role in America’s current obesity epidemic. We understand that business is business, but tricking your customers into believing your foods are healthy or free of trans fat when they aren’t isn’t just a dirty trick—it should be downright criminal. Hopefully this round of 16 secrets can help motivate the restaurant industry to make changes for the better. Until then, Eat This, Not That! will be here to help you read between the lines, recognize the hype, and choose the best options for your wallet and waistlines.