DeLauro Commends Compromise on Menu Labeling legislation

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. – 3) praised the compromise on menu labeling legislation that will allow calories to be displayed on the menus and menu boards of chain restaurants with 20 or more business locations, as well as provide additional nutritional information in written form.

"I am delighted that a compromise was forged on this critical public health issue. After many years of discussions and debate, we are finally on our way to providing consumers with key nutrition information when they dine out. I want to congratulate the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the restaurant industry for negotiating in good faith and for their hard work in reaching this agreement.

"Providing nutrition information on menus and menu boards has become more critical than ever as numerous studies have linked eating out with obesity and increased caloric intake. An estimated 34 percent of children and adolescents have become overweight and skyrocketing obesity rates have resulted in ever increasing health care costs.

"If we are to make any progress in reducing obesity rates and health care costs, initiatives such as menu labeling will be necessary to provide consumers with the nutrition information to help them make informed choices. When just 0.1 percent of customers visiting fast food restaurants actually review the nutrition content in pamphlets, it is time to make this information easy-to-use and easy-to-find, and that is what this compromise will do.

"I look forward to working with Chairman Waxman to advance this issue and this compromise on the House side."