Close Look At Fresh-Mex Finds Mucho Fat

WASHINGTON -- Some self-described "food cops" say they're blowing the whistle on some popular Mexican restaurants.

Chipotle, the fast-growing, McDonald's-affiliated fresh-Mex chain, doesn't disclose the calorie or saturated fat content of its burritos.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest says it sent a few of Chipotle's most popular burritos to an independent lab for analysis. Executive Director Michael Jacobson says nutrition numbers provided by Baja Fresh, a Wendy's-owned chain, were also studied.

Jacobson said that although the fresh veggies and grilled seafood and chicken make it possible to get a healthful meal that's relatively low in saturated fat, some of the typical meals provided by the restaurants include more than a day's worth of saturated fat and as much as 1,000 calories. That's more calories than the vast majority of sandwiches or fast-food burgers.

"Fresh-Mex chains cultivate an aura of healthfulness, and sometimes it's deserved," Jacobson said. "But because Chipotle doesn't reveal calories or other nutrition information, most people wouldn't have a clue that a vegetarian burrito is the equivalent of an overstuffed corned beef sandwich -- plus 350 calories. Chipotle's carnitas burrito is like an artillery shell filled with a day's worth of saturated fat and sodium."

Baja Fresh weighed in with some artery-clogging selections, such as quesadillas and nachos, but CSPI identified several healthy options.

However, Jacobson said burrito lovers don't have to abandon such food if they make the right choices when ordering.

Chipotle's Chicken Burrito Bols, including chicken, black beans, lettuce, and salsa, has just 430 calories and 4 grams of saturated fat, the study found. Rice instead of lettuce adds about 200 calories.

Jacobson said that if you're still craving a burrito, skip the cheese and sour cream -- that can save 200 calories and half a day's worth of saturated fat. He recommends choosing things like bean burritos, which he said can be a good source of dietary fiber.

And most Chipotle burritos are big enough for two meals: Just ask your server to wrap each half separately, Johnson said.

"You get a lot of good things at a fresh-Mex joint that you won't find under the golden arches," Jacobson said. "But it's a shame Chipotle and its ilk can't show more restraint with the fat, salt, and portion sizes--especially since none of these chains posts calorie information on menu boards."

The results of the study will be published in the organization's October issue of the Nutrition Action Healthletter.

The National Restaurant Association is broiling about CSPI's accusations.

"CSPI has a history of attacking ethnic cuisines, and this month, Mexican is the latest target of their ridiculous, fill-in-the-blank food advocacy campaign," the organization said in a statement. "Instead of denigrating foods brought to this country by hard-working individuals, we should celebrate the multicultural heritage of our society."

The association also said dietary experts agree that there are no "good foods" or "bad foods," and that all foods in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle.