Full Disclosure in California

New York City led the charge in requiring chain restaurants to post calorie information on menus and on indoor menu boards. Now the entire state of California is following suit. Starting January 1, 2011, all restaurant chains with 20 or more locations need to post the calorie count for their food and beverage items. Starting July 1, 2009, the restaurants will be required to have brochures containing the nutrition facts in them.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "This legislation will help Californians make more informed, healthier choices by making calorie information easily accessible at thousands of restaurants throughout our state."

In related news, Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's, and A&W) will begin voluntarily posting calorie information on menu boards in company-owned restaurants nationwide. You may see this change happening before the end of the year. Franchisees will be encouraged to provide the same information on their menu boards as company-owned restaurants.

I am so happy to see companies and government both stepping up to improve the health of our nation. By making the nutrition information easily accessible, consumers are able to make informed choices about what they are eating!

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