Health experts are welcoming a new online calculator which will help Irish restaurants put calorie totals on their menus.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland's Menu-Cal, which will be launched by the Health Minister later this morning, is considered to be the first of its kind in Europe.

The calculator works by taking into account the type and quantity of ingredients used, preparation methods and portion size. 

The Restaurants Association of Ireland is against the move arguing any legislation that forces businesses to put calorie totals on menus will cost every restaurant €5,000 ever year.

Broadcaster Dr Eva Orsmond told Newstalk's Breakfast the health benefits of the calculator could be significant:

Ireland has 22,000 food service businesses.

The FSAI says it has received interest from other countries wishing to adopt the system.

Dr Mary Flynn, chief specialist at the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, says this calculator may prove fundamental in tackling the obesity problem here:

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