For those of us that enjoy our deep fried and highly seasoned pork products the question posed in the headline of this narrative seldom crosses our minds. It's a cracklin' it's not supposed to be health food and I am  not eating it because my doctor told me to. Still, the question, How many calories in a cracklin'?, might have to be answered at a gas station, restaurant, or side of the road eatery near you according to a new FDA rule.

The new rule by the Food and Drug Administration stipulates that chain restaurants and supermarkets serving prepared foods must now include caloric counts on their products. According to Melissa Martin with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals this is all part of the process of informing the consumer.

"I really view this FDA ruling as a creation of a public health education tool, many consumers are maybe under the impression that the caloric content is a lot different than the option actually is."

Martin's comments were reported by the Louisiana Radio Network. She went on to suggest that knowledge in the hands of the consumer will lead to better eating choices. Those choices will then translate into a healthier population.

"Also when you have an empowered consumer there's an opportunity for healthy behavior change. I think behavior change is the cornerstone for improved health."

The change proposed by the FDA will not affect the food itself, just the packaging. The ruling will apply to establishments with 20 or more locations that serve and sell prepared foods.

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