In a year and a half, every
The calorie counts will appear on big boards dangling from ceilings, on printed menus, and even at drive-through windows no later than Nov. 1, 2010, although regulators said they hope that restaurants will voluntarily post the information sooner. The rule applies to chains with at least 20 Massachusetts outlets and is expected to cover 51 companies accounting for nearly 5,300 restaurants in the state.
The calorie-posting law is a cornerstone of the anti-obesity campaign launched earlier this year by Governor Deval Patrick's administration. From the time it was first proposed in January, there was little doubt the Public Health Council, an appointed panel of doctors, public health specialists, and advocates, would embrace it enthusiastically.
The only question yesterday was whether the council would give the regulation more of a bite than the Patrick administration had recommended. One member, Dr. Barry Zuckerman of Boston Medical Center, was dismayed that school cafeterias were exempt.
"That makes no sense to me," Zuckerman said. "To not have it in schools is a big, big omission."
Officials from the Department of Public Health said that because school menus change day to day and school to school, it was not feasible to ask their cafeterias to do calorie analyses.
Calorie-count advocates say that fast-food chains are convenient targets because of their standardized menus and because studies indicate that diners tend to order more calorie-laden meals at those restaurants.
Other council members questioned why the regulation will not go into effect sooner, and others suggested that the rule should apply to chains with at least 20 restaurants anywhere in the nation. Officials from the Department of Public Health said they wanted to give restaurants ample time to alter their menus.
"This moves us a long way from where we are today," said council member Paul Lanzikos, executive director of North Shore Elder Services. "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."
Stephen Smith can be reached at stsmith@globe.com. 
