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Massachusetts adopts menu-labeling regulations

BOSTON The Massachusetts Public Health Council Wednesday approved new statewide regulations requiring restaurant chains with 20 or more in-state stores to post calorie counts on menus and menu boards, including those stationed at the chains’ drive-thru areas.

The new regulations will go into effect Nov. 1, 2010, and will affect approximately 50 restaurant chains, or a total of 5,800 units, according to the Boston Herald.

More than 30 states, cities or counties have enacted or are considering menu-labeling legislation. Among the states are California, Oklahoma, Indiana, Florida, Oregon, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, New York and South Carolina. Maryland lawmakers decided to abandon their push for a statewide bill in late March, and Tennessee lawmakers decided last week that the issue needed more study before any action could be taken.

New York City last year became the first city to enforce a calorie-posting rule at chain restaurants with 15 or more locations. Westchester County in New York, King County in Washington and Philadelphia also have enacted disclosure regulations.

Federal lawmakers also are considering the Labeling Education and Nutrition Act, or LEAN Act, a measure that would mandate the posting of nutritional information at chain restaurants with 20 or more outlets. It would also provide liability protection to restaurants that comply with the law.

Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected]

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