American fast food chain McDonald’s has begun posting nutrition information in its 360 outlets across the Gulf, Arabian Business reports.

The move comes amid a rising prevalence of diabetes among the region’s population and an obesity epidemic. McDonald’s, which is best known for its high-calorie, high-sodium fare such as hamburgers and french fries, already posts its nutrition information publicly in US outlets and online. An official there said the goal is to help people understand what they’re consuming.

Arabian Business reports:

“We have always been committed to helping consumers make informed choices about the food they eat, and this is just one of many ways we’re making our information more accessible to them,” said Yousif said Abdulghani, managing director, McDonald’s Middle East and Africa.

“Put very simply – we’re proud of the food we serve, and want customers to understand what goes into it,” he added.

Qatar, which has nearly a dozen McDonald’s outlets, has been talking about requiring eateries to post calorie counts for months. 

Last year, the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning asked fast food chains to include calorie information on their menus or post them on a chart. The request was supposed to take effect last summer, but does not appear to have been heeded by all.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by djgphoto