Mar. 10--SCHENECTADY -- Schenectady on Tuesday became the second county in the Capital Region to require chain restaurants to post calorie information for menu dishes in its stores.
The Schenectady County Legislature passed the measure 12-2 with one member absent. The vote means any food establishment operating 15 or more restaurants nationally must provide calorie totals for food sold at the point of purchase, or on menu boards. The new law takes affect 180 days after the city files it with the state.
Advocates said that posting calorie totals was a common sense way to help combat obesity in adults and children. Members of the regional American Cancer Society and other public health organizations spoke in support of the measure. Opponents argued that government shouldn't mandate personal responsibility.
Schenectady County joined Albany, Nassau, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester counties, and New York City, in directing restaurants to give calorie information. The Albany County law goes into effect March 22.
Also, statewide legislation is proposed requiring calorie posting in restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores that belong to large chains.
Chain restaurants already know how many calories are in their food, and some already provide the information to patrons. Stores like McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's in Schenectady County will now have to comply.
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