Jan 8, 2009 4:05 pm US/Eastern
Schools, Restaurants Targets Of New Obesity Fight
BOSTON (AP) ―
Massachusetts is expanding anti-obesity efforts by requiring major restaurant chains to prominently post calorie counts for their fare either at the counter or on the menu.
Details: 'Mass In Motion' Plan
The Patrick administration plan also includes height and weight measurements for all public school first-, fourth-, seventh-, and 10th-graders, to determine whether they are overweight. Results would be sent home to parents along with diet and exercise recommendations.
The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins ice cream shops says the rules would unfairly burden its franchisees. Dunkin' Brands Inc. of Canton says it already provides customers with nutritional information and has worked to develop low-calorie products.
The plan goes before the Public Health Council next week, and member Dr. Alan Woodward says he expects broad support.
A final vote would follow a public comment period, and the rules could take effect in the fall.
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(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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