October 1, 2008

California, 1st to State Nutrition Facts on Restaurant Menus

On Sept 30 California’s governor signed the first state-wide legislation to require chain restaurants with more than 20 locations to offer up key nutrition facts, such as calories, saturated fat, carbohydrate and sodium, at the point of purchase (right next to the price of the item on menus or menu boards). No longer will the availability of this information on websites, on posters or in brochures be sufficient. The legislation goes into effect July 2009 and takes full effect in 2011. In the meantime restaurant chains operating in California are required to provide brochures with nutrition information on site.

While California is the first state to enact this legislation, several cities, have enacted similar legislation. New York City and Seattle are two large locales in which similar legislation has been put into action. Many other cities and states are working on legislation and efforts have been put forth on Capitol Hill. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has been a big supporter of these legislative efforts and can help you learn more about currently enacted laws and stay posted to future developments.

To gain access NOW to chain restaurant nutrition information as well as handy tips to eat healthier in any type of restaurant, purchase a copy of What to Eat When You’re Eating Out.