DeLauro Commends NY Board of Health Vote on Calorie Labeling

DeLauro Commends NY Board of Health Vote on Calorie Labeling

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today issued the following comment the New York City Board of Health voting unanimously to require restaurants that make calorie information publicly available on menus and menu boards, where consumers can see it when they order. For two consecutive Congresses, DeLauro has authored the Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act - legislation that requires fast-food and large chain restaurants to list calories, saturated and trans fat, and sodium content on printed menus, and list only calories for menu boards since space is limited. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has offered the U.S. Senate companion to the bill.

"The New York City Board of Health should be commended for their foresight in voting unanimously to require restaurants to publish calorie information on menus. This will provide consumers with an essential tool for achieving a healthy diet. As the Board correctly notes, too many calories leads to weight gain which can contribute to obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and treatments for these illnesses result in skyrocketing health care costs. New York City residents now will be able to make more informed choices in restaurants and exercise personal responsibility for their health - an option I soon hope consumers around the country can enjoy."

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/December/Calories_Labeling_12_05_06.html