NJ Passes Menu-Labeling Law

TRENTON, N.J.Outgoing New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine on Jan. 18 signed legislation requiring major restaurant chains operating more than 20 locations nationally to post calorie counts on their menus, menu boards and drive-thru windows for menu items. New Jersey becomes the fifth state to require menu labeling, following the California, Maine, Massachusetts and Oregon.

The law, which takes effect within one year, seeks to curb obesity by giving consumers information needed to make the healthier food choices. The bill also calls for menus to include the average calorie count for alcoholic beverages as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Non-compliant restaurants could be fined by the state or local health departments between $50 to $100 for a first offense; $250 to $500 for second and subsequent offenses, according to the measure. The law also protects restaurants from getting sued by a member of the public for not complying.