Menu labeling law takes effect: How many calories in that sandwich?

Would you reconsider your lunch order if you knew the number of calories in that bacon cheeseburger or chili fries? California legislators are counting on it.

California's latest effort against obesity takes effect today: Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations have to provide brochures listing the nutrition information about their foods. That's the first phase of California's new menu labeling law.
 
The brochures must contain counts of calories, saturated fat, carbohydrates and sodium for all standard menu items. For sit-down restaurants, the information must be provided at the table -- in a brochure or menu insert or on a table tent. 
 
“The way Californians order food is about to change. More than 17,000 restaurant locations throughout California will provide important nutrition information starting today.  California is the first state in the nation to tackle obesity with menu labeling,” said Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), the author of the legislation with Sen. Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) and Assembly member Marc DeSaulnier (D-Concord).

The next phase will hit diners more directly: Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, calorie information must be on menus and indoor menu boards.
 
The legislation was modeled on a New York City ordinance that affects large chain restaurants that now post calorie counts on menu boards, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks and Quizno’s.
 
Nearly 16 million Californians are obese or overweight, and many suffer from diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

-- Mary MacVean

Photo: Quizno's menu with calorie counts. Credit: Center for Science in the Public Interest

 

Comments

[lilly adams]

This is a great article. I think it is important to know how many calories in each meal you eat throughout the day. That way you will be able to monitor your low calorie diet. Along with a lot of daily exercise I am sure you will see fantastic results rather quickly. I found this site that allows you to track your calories for free and also gives you many other cool ideas for your weight loss journey. I hope this helps you along the way. www.fitclick.com/howmanycaloriesin

[lilly adams]

I think in order to be successful in your weight loss journey you need to track your food calories. Exercise is also really important to speeding up the weight loss process. I found this website that allows you to track all of your daily calories for free. It will help you with your new diet plan. www.fitclick.com/foodcalories

[Live Long and...]

Trust me. It will alter your eating habits. Having recently been to NYC and seen the calorie counts on some of their items, you WILL no longer order a treat or splurge once you realize it has 800 calories. You will also be able to make better choices in decide which item to pick for lunch/dinner when you like a few. I'm pretty food savvy and health conscious and was more than shocked perusing the Starbucks food items for sale with the calorie count under it. Whatever you thought it had, add about 30-50% more calories.

[MisterMiles]

Having the kcal count is nice, but personally, I need to know the carbs and fiber, so I know how much insulin to give. But that's okay, I've been guess-timating for most of my life, so I'll just keep doing so.

But for people who are overweight, I hope they take the opportunity to use the information provided, and make better choices.

[Kellie Glass RD, LD]

I do agree with the importance of menu labeling in order to be an informed consumer. I don't, however, believe that many folks will change their eating habits based on the fact that this information is available. We, as a nation, need to focus our efforts on educating people on how to incorporate their favorite foods into an OVERALL healthy lifestyle. If anyone is interested in more information, see my book, "How To Eat Fried Chicken and Be Thin Too" on Amazon.com or at Strategic Book Publishing.

[John Bard]

I think they're missing the point.

If you look at the menu above you can see that by just paying an extra $2 you get a double-sized sub. THAT is the problem, persuading customers to spend a little more to get extra 'value for money'.

Oversize portions make for oversize people.
It's simple, stupid.

[White Hat]

As a Texas who (like most) takes a dim view of legislators telling me what to do with my life, I am wondering what the average Californian thinks about all these nanny laws? Does the majority support them, or are they just the product of vote seeking politicians?

[Liz]

I am beyond thrilled that this will finally take effect. I have been waiting and wondering. Will it change what I order? Since I rarely eat fast food, not a lot. But on the rare occasion it will definitely effect what I put in my mouth. I may still be mad at California for Prop 8, but this makes me happy.

[Fred]

Are the restaurants required to post this calorie information on their websites as well?