An all-you-can-eat establishment has ignited controversy after implementing an automated calorie warning system for its customers. The system, which appeared as a pop-up notification on an order screen, questioned a diner's choice of three lamb skewers.
According to a social media post shared to Reddit's Mildly Infuriating thread, the notification read: "For your own health concern, an average adult's intake should not exceed 1,000 calories. Extra charge may apply for unfinished food. Your current calorie intake is 2,000 calories. Are you sure you want to proceed?"
The message further detailed that the three lamb skewers in that specific order totaled 240 calories, with previous orders already accounting for 1,760 calories. It also suggested that the amount of food consumed "would be good to serve two people."
Dietary guidelines in the United States suggest that adults consume between 1,600 and 3,000 calories per day, though individual needs vary based on factors like activity level, age, and medications.
The restaurant's approach quickly generated a strong negative reaction online. Many users described the warning as "dystopian" and intrusive, with one commenter stating, "Let people eat freely." Another expressed, "A calorie tracker actually is awesome but calling you out on eating is kinda crazy."
However, some commenters defended the restaurant's actions, suggesting it was a measure to combat food waste, a practice they noted is common in some all-you-can-eat establishments, particularly Asian restaurants. "This is very common at an all-you-can-eat, specifically at Asian restaurants. It is to prevent excess food waste," one user wrote. Another added, "A business trying to reduce waste is positive in my books."
The name and location of the restaurant remain undisclosed. This incident follows reports where experts have indicated that calorie counting can sometimes lead to increased hunger and a reduced metabolic rate.