The Hagstrom Report

Agriculture News As It Happens

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Food scenes from California

California is often ahead of the rest of the country, and that appears to be the case with menu labeling in theaters, and with eggs from chickens raised in larger cages or free range.

CINEMA CALORIES


Theater owners have expressed anger over the Food and Drug Administration labeling regime that requires listing calories for food and beverage items — including liquor — in theaters and restaurants with 20 or more outlets.

But in Orange County, Calif., Regal movie theaters have already listed the calorie counts for liquor and food.

In San Francisco, AMC theaters have also listed the calorie counts — but that doesn’t stop them from offering free refills on large portions of popcorn and fountain drinks.

MovieRegalBeverageCalories MovieRegalWineCalories
A Regal movie theater in Orange County, Calif., lists calorie counts as well as prices next to beverages and wines it serves. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)
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In a San Francisco AMC theater, a serving of “movie nachos” costs $11.99 and up to 2,470 calories. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)

EGGS


The requirements that eggs come from free-range hens or those raised in large cages have raised egg prices. In a Safeway in San Francisco, there are still cost variations depending on feed, how the hen was raised and how many eggs the consumer is buying.

EatingRight EgglandsBest
Eggs-RockIsland Lucerne
HappyEggs Judys
Prices on these eggs in the San Francisco Safeway vary from $4.49 to $5.99 per dozen. (Jerry Hagstrom/The Hagstrom Report)