New Haven, CT - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement on the announcement that Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell will veto state legislation to require major chain restaurants to publish the number of calories for each food item on their printed menus and menu boards.

DeLauro has championed similar legislation at the federal level, the Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act, to require chain restaurants with 20 or more business locations to provide consumers with information on calories, sodium, saturated and trans fat, and carbohydrates.

"Given the new study showing rising obesity rates across the country, it is extremely disappointing and irresponsible that Governor Rell would veto such a critical bill that would have provided consumers with important nutrition information at restaurants. If we are to make any progress toward reducing obesity rates, we must allow consumers to make informed choices when they eat out. This veto makes it more imperative that Congress address the menu labeling issue at the federal level."