* Rules for drives-
Implemented through windows * from November.
Jason Sepp Boston 2010, May 13 (Reuters)-
On Wednesday, Massachusetts approved the most stringent statewide restaurant menu labeling rules in the United States, requiring major chain restaurants to show the calorie content of the food they sell.
Regulations designed to combat rising obesity are more comprehensive than those in California, which became the first state to have fast menu labeling rules in September
Food chain restaurants such as McDonald's (MCD. N)
And Yum Brands (YUM. N)
Health food advocates say.
The rule, approved by the Massachusetts Public Health Commission, will require 20 or more chain restaurants
Description where to post the calorie count next to each item on the menu or menu board, including the calorie count on the drivethroughs.
The requirements will take effect from November.
2010, will apply to 50 chain restaurants, a total of 5,800 locations.
"This is an important step in the right direction to fight the obesity epidemic in our state," Massachusetts commissioner of public health John Albach said in a statement . ".
More than half of Massachusetts adults are overweight or obese, according to a state report of 2008, which also shows that adult obesity has more than doubled in 20 years.
According to U. S. media reports, about 33% of Americans are overweight and over 34% are obese. S.
Government data.
Last year, New York City implemented a restaurant calorie information rule, and more than a dozen states are considering similar regulations.
Unlike California, the Massachusetts regulations will cover items on restaurant drivesThrough the window.
Bought about 65% fast food in drive
Jodie Grant, director of activities at value themeal, a health food advocacy group, said that through the window. org.
Nor will Massachusetts cover municipal regulations and impose stricter labeling guidelines
Food restaurants, she added.
In California, for example, the menu labeling rules passed by San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties were canceled by state law.
The two features, Grant said, make the Massachusetts regulations the strictest state in the country.
Some restaurant companies oppose additional government regulations.
For example, in New York City, some people object to the menu labeling rules through litigation.
Instead, many chain stores support proposed legislation in the United States. S.
Congress is called the "lean act" that requires restaurants and grocery stores that provide food ready to post calories on the same wall as the menu board, or as a pair or inserted into the menu.
Critics of the legislation say it will only contain calorie information behind the menu or in a separate brochure.
Consumers need to know the nutritional value of food, they say, because there are more people out there than ever before. (
Editor Terry Wade)