New Jersey readies menu labeling law

New Jersey lawmakers passed Wednesday a measure requiring restaurant chains with 20 or more outlets around the country to post calorie counts on menus and menu boards in their locations throughout the state.

The state Assembly passed the bill by a margin of 42 to 32, with one abstention. The Senate had passed the bill late last year by 22 to 15, and now it goes to the governor for his signature. Outgoing New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine has said he would sign the menu labeling legislation. Once signed, the law gives chain restaurants one year to comply.

According to the New Jersey bill, qualifying restaurants must post calories counts adjacent to food and beverage items on menus and menu boards, and also make available additional nutritional information to customers upon request.

Other jurisdictions with menu labeling laws include New York City;Philadelphia;Nashville, Tenn.;New York’s Albany, Westchester, Suffolk and Ulster counties;and Oregon’s Multnomah County. Maryland’s Montgomery Council passed a similar law last year. On the federal level, both the U.S. Senate and House health care reform bills have menu-labeling provisions attached.