CHICAGO – Strong consumer support exists for nutritional disclosure at restaurants, according to a recent survey conducted by Technomic, a consumer research firm.

Technomic found that 65 percent of respondents favored nutritional labeling in restaurants with the highest demand for listing of calories and sodium content. A majority of consumers surveyed (70 percent) said they care that chain restaurants disclose calorie and other nutritional information on menus, while another 68 percent wanted nutritional information on menus across all restaurant formats, not just chains.

In a related finding, Technomic data reveal 51 percent of respondents support New York City's recent ban on foodservice sales of large size servings of sugary drinks.

"Consumers believe that more readily available information will help them make more informed choices when eating out," said Bob Goldin, Technomic's executive vice president and director of the study. "We expect restaurants will face growing pressure for more comprehensive nutritional disclosure.”

As for government mandates, only 38 percent of respondents wanted local, state and/or federal government to play a larger role in regulating health and nutrition in restaurants, although 58 percent expect government will become more active, according to Technomic.