The prospect of restaurants  being obliged to display calories on menus has been criticised by the Restaurants Association of Ireland and a leading chef.

Oliver Dunne and the Restaurants Association of Ireland were reacting to a suggestion by the Minister for Health that all types of restaurants should be included in the Government’s anti-obesity measure.

Dr James Reilly opened a consultation process about displaying calorie information on menus last Thursday in an effort to tackle Ireland’s growing obesity problem.

The Minister said he wanted “all restaurants” to be included and that action after consultation would be “up to and including legislation” if the industry did not comply. Asked if all types of outlets, from high end to fast food, would be included, he replied “absolutely”.

The consultation is on foot of a recommendation from the department’s obesity action group that fast-food restaurants and coffee shops should display calories.

It would be a “very costly” exercise for restaurants, Oliver Dunne said.

He added that pepople go to restaurants principally on spercial occassions.

A number of Dublin restaurants already display calories and 'Weightwatchers Points' on their menus.