AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci has signed three bills designed to combat the problem of obesity in the state, including one on menu labeling.
Part of the legislation requires chain restaurants with 15 or more locations nationwide to provide caloric content on menus and menu boards. The menus also must contain a statement about the recommended number of calories people should consume daily. The provisions go into effect on Feb. 1, 2011.
"This is a critical public health issue, especially when it comes to our children's health," Baldacci said. "Maine has the highest rate of obesity in New England. It's estimated that 30 percent of our youth are overweight or obese."
Maine follows California and Massachusetts in passing laws requiring menu labeling. The state legislatures of Connecticut and Oregon have recently passed similar legislation, both awaiting their governors' final approval.
In the U.S. Senate, a compromise bill on national menu labeling was recently made part of the draft health reform legislation.
