ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Panda Express has announced the launch of its Wok Smart program to educate guests about the wide variety of healthy-eating options available on their menu. Wok Smart identifies the 18 sides, entrees and appetizers that are 250 calories or less per serving.
Each of Panda Express' 1,263 units nationwide will feature the Wok Smart symbol on menu slats alongside the entrees, nutritional brochures and on the Web site.
"Wok Smart items have always been a part of the Panda Express menu choices. Our entrees feature nutritious and vitamin-packed vegetables such as broccoli, string beans and button mushrooms," said Glenn Lunde, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We want to help our calorie-conscious guests take the guess-work out of planning their meals at Panda Express."
The launch of Wok Smart also ties in to recent menu labeling legislation passed across the country, requiring chain restaurants to display nutritional content for menu items.
In California, where there are more than 460 Panda Express restaurants, Senate Bill 120 by Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) was implemented on July 1, 2009, and requires all restaurants with more than 20 units in the state to publish its calorie and nutritional content. In compliance with the new law, Panda Express is publishing a brochure with the information in addition to the adding the Wok Smart symbol.
