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Calif. May Soon Require Calorie Counts On Menus

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Aug 27, 2008 5:16 pm US/Pacific

Calif. May Soon Require Calorie Counts On Menus

SACRAMENTO (AP) ―

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California may become the first state to require chain restaurants to list the calories in their standard menu items.

The state Assembly approved a bill Wednesday that would require chains with at least 20 restaurants to include the information on menus or menu boards by 2011.

The bill by Sen. Alex Padilla, a Los Angeles Democrat, is a modified version of legislation Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed last year. The governor's office says he hasn't taken a position on this year's proposal.

This year's bill initially would give restaurants a choice. They could list calorie counts on menus or menu boards or they could provide customers with brochures disclosing the fat, calories, salt and carbohydrates in the dishes and beverages they sell at least half the year.

Starting in 2011, the calorie information would have to be included on menus or menu boards. Supporters say the information will help fight obesity and diabetes.

The Assembly's 46-27 vote sent the bill back to the Senate for a vote on Assembly amendments.