California passes fast-food calorie disclosure law

The AFP reports:

California on Tuesday became the first US state to force fast-food restaurant chains to post calorie information on menus and indoor menu boards, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s office said.

In the latest example of California officials seeking to encourage healthier eating habits, a bill signed by Schwarzenegger means restaurant chains with more than 20 locations must print nutritional information on their menus.

Although New York officials introduced a similar law in April, California is the first region to impose the calorie-count on a state-wide basis.

“This legislation will help Californians make more informed, healthier choices by making calorie information easily accessible at thousands of restaurants throughout our state,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

Under the new law, restaurants affected must post calorie information on menus and indoor menu boards by January 1, 2011.