< Back to front page Text size – +

Regulators approve calorie posting on menus

E-mail | Print | Comments () Posted by Christine Chinlund May 13, 2009 10:39 AM

Facebook
E-mail

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

Public health regulators voted unanimously this morning to require restaurant chains in Massachusetts to post calorie counts for all menu items starting in November 2010.

The rule, patterned after a law in New York City, would cover chains with 20 or more outlets in the state, nearly 5,300 restaurants in all.

Efforts by some members of the Public Health Council, an appointed panel of doctors, public health specialists, and advocates, to make the calorie-posting law even tougher were rejected. It was essential, the major of council members said, to balance public health concerns with the interests of businesses, especially in dire economic times.

“This moves us a long way from where we are today,” said council member Paul Lanzikos. “It’s not where we would like to be, but it’s important to not get too far ahead of the public and get push back.”

Health regulators hope that when consumers see calorie counts right next to where prices appear that they may make healthier food choices.

Facebook
E-mail

« Back to front page

About white coat notes

White Coat Notes covers the latest from the health care industry, hospitals, doctors offices, labs, insurers, and the corridors of government. Chelsea Conaboy previously covered health care for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Write her at cconaboy@boston.com. Follow her on Twitter: @cconaboy.

Daily Dose | More Health&Wellness

health answers

Long-term health consequences to being born prematurely? It's estimated that each year nearly 500,000 babies in the United States are born prematurely, or before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Submit question | More answers