NCBI ROFL: I'd like a number 2 value meal, a frosty, and a peer-reviewed publication, please.

Discover how fast-food restaurant drive-through lanes impact consumer behavior and inform menu labelling policy.

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An observational study of consumer use of fast-food restaurant drive-through lanes: implications for menu labelling policy. "OBJECTIVE: ... The present study was designed to quantify the number of customers who purchase fast food through drive-in windows as a means of informing legislative labelling efforts. DESIGN: This was an observational study. SETTING: The study took place at two McDonald's and Burger King restaurants, and single Dairy Queen, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell and Wendy's restaurants. SUBJECTS:

The number of customers entering the chain restaurants and purchasing food via the drive-through lane were recorded. A total of 3549 patrons were observed. RESULTS: The percentage of customers who made their purchases at drive-throughs was fifty-seven. The overall average (57 %) is likely a conservative estimate because some fast-food restaurants have late-night hours when only the drive-throughs are open. CONCLUSIONS: Since nearly six in ten customers purchase food via the drive-through lanes, menu labelling legislation should mandate the inclusion of menu labels on drive-through menu boards to maximise the impact of this public health intervention."

Photo: flickr/s2art

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