Darden Restaurants Inc., one of the foodservice industry’s largest full-service operators, said Thursday it will cut the amount of calories and sodium in its menu items and provide greater choice and variety in its kids’ meals.

The Orlando, Fla.-based parent of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and other chains drew praise from First Lady Michelle Obama, who joined Darden chief executive Clarence Otis at a news conference today at an Olive Garden in Hyattsville, Md. Darden worked with the first lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign and the Partnership for a Healthier America to develop its health and wellness commitment.

“We pride ourselves on making good food better, and on finding new ways to nourish and delight everyone we serve,” Drew Madsen, Darden president and chief operating officer, said. “Today we are taking a new step forward by creating a comprehensive health and wellness commitment, while preserving our commitment to offer our guests the delicious food they have come to know and love. The first lady continues to lead the growing national efforts to make healthy food options more available and accessible, and we’re pleased to collaborate with her and the Partnership for a Healthier America on this commitment.”

Across its portfolio of restaurant brands — which also includes The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons 52 — Darden aims to reduce calories across all its menu offerings by 10 percent over five years and 20 percent over 10 years. The company said it would reformulate, re-size or remove certain items, while introducing more calorie-conscious choices.

Darden also will work to reduce sodium in its foods by 10 percent over five years and 20 percent over 10 years. It said it would take a “transition-over-time” approach with its suppliers that would align with national nutrition policy while still allowing for changes in consumer tastes.

Hear Michelle Obama's comments on Darden's pledge; story continues on page 2