A SOUTHSIDE cafe owner has hit out at proposals to add calorie counts to menus, claiming this could harm hospitality in the covid recovery period.

Chef Tanya Gohil claims the policy, under consultation by the Scottish Government, would turn people off dining out at a "crucial" time for the sector.

A 12-week consultation into plans to add calorie information to menus closes today.

Tanya, who owns Silk Road Deli in Shawlands, said: “If these proposals are implemented in Scotland, we could see a real decline in the number of people choosing to dine out. 

"As a small business owner that’s really concerning, particularly during this crucial trading time after a difficult few years for the sector.

READ MORE: Why calorie counts on menus are a good idea

"The reality is people want to go out and enjoy a meal without thinking about how many calories they’re consuming. 

"Eating out is an experience enjoyed by millions of Scots each year and I worry that this could put lots of people off.

"Realistically, lots of restaurants will have to look at adapting their menus or changing ingredients to make their dishes low-calorie too. 

"This will, of course, have an impact on costs and in some instances could affect the flavours of each dish. 

"As a chef and small business owner, it’s frustrating to know we may be required to make these changes after what has already been a tricky few years."

The plans form part of the Scottish Government’s Out of Home Action Plan, which aims to tackle obesity by working with the hospitality industry to provide healthier food and drink choices.

Similar legislation was introduced in England in April, despite opposition from charities concerned the move could negatively effect those with eating disorders.

READ MORE: Eating disorder charity slams calorie on menus plan

Tanya said: "Including this information on menus could be incredibly triggering for a lot of people, and although I’m all for transparency, we need to consider how this could affect the wider population. 

"If restaurants are forced to publish this information, they should at least be required to provide two menus– one with calories and one without. 

"We have to think about everyone.”

She added: “We’re living in a 'faux-wellness' and 'image heavy' social media era and despite body positive movements and more factual nutritional information, a major focus on aesthetics still persists. 

"Whether it’s cutting out major food groups, obsessively counting calories or experiencing anxiety when making food choices, we’re not talking about a small minority here.

"Helping people understand what constitutes a well-balanced meal is probably what we should be worried about."

On announcing the proposals in April, public health minister Maree Todd MSP said: "Obesity and poor diet continue to be one of the biggest and most complex public health challenges. 

"The introduction of mandatory calorie labelling at the point of choice in the Out of Home sector would be a significant step forward and level the playing field with the retail sector, 

"We know that giving people more information, such as the number of calories in meals will enable people to make healthier choices when eating out, or ordering in."