I have mixed feelings about this policy. On the one hand, it makes sense that we would want to give consumers as much pertinent information about the products they are considering as possible to allow rational and informed decisions. On the other, do we really want to heighten the anxiety of the image-conscious even further? American attitudes towards personal fitness and dietary habits are largely polarized; some are too image-conscious and consistently strive to be underweight rather than of healthy weight to meet the idealized public images of bodily beauty while others either seek food for comfort or thoughtlessly consume too much habitually. There is a definite socioeconomic aspect to the problem, as highlighted by Bloomberg's paternalistic ban on food stamp-funded soda purchases.
It seems ironic that New York, of all states, would impose such stringent policies. Every time I come home from college in North Carolina, I never fail to be struck by the drastic demographic differences between the two states: New York is uncontestedly more culturally diverse and, ah, I've missed fashion! But the population here is also much slimmer than the population in North Carolina, where I can consume an infinite amount of Saladelia cookies (oh God, finals season is almost upon us...) without ever being confronted by a numeric valuation of my compulsion, lack of will power, and the guilt subsequent to consumption. Causality is clearly at play here and the problem is not a single dimensional one but it is always slightly alarming to encounter these friendly, helpful reminders while trying to enjoy a first meal back in the city.
But ultimately, this cheesecake is just worth being fat for, mmm.
