One of the new rules of the healthcare reform package is that all chain restaurants in the U.S. must state the amount of calories for each item on their menus. Sharon Bernstein from the Los Angeles Times reports that “vending machines, buffets, alcoholic drink menus and drive-thrus” will be affected by this new regulation that was passed by the House. Nutrition advocates and the restaurant industry are big fans of the new rule; “People will be able to see that the order of chili cheese fries they are considering will be 3,000 calories,” said nutrition advocate Margo Wootan, who helped write the bill.
Some states already have similar rules that require restaurants to post calorie counts and nutritional information, but this law expands it across the entire nation. “This legislation will replace a growing patchwork of varying state and local regulations with one consistent national standard that helps consumers make choices that are best for themselves and their families,” said Dawn Sweeney, chief executive of the National Restaurant Assn.
What do you think of this new law?
Find a nutritionist in your area who can help you make healthy choices at restaurants and at home.
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