Trans Fats Down, Time to Address Menu Labeling

Great news! California just passed a trans fat law - the first in the nation. Amazing to think that just a few years ago we were all called a bunch of granola nuts for the crazy idea of banning trans fats -- ah, the times, they are a changing.

Now it's time to move on to menu labeling and making it simple for all of us to make smart decisions when we're running through Burgerworld -- don't believe that doesn't scare the crap out of Ronald McDonald!

California's poised to make this happen, but the Ahnold's got to show some balls and choose between the health of the state and the screams from his restaurant buddies. We'll see where his priorities are.

Mike

Here's a statement from one of our favorite clients about this issue:

Dr. Harold Goldstein, Executive Director
California Center for Public Health Advocacy

Governor Schwarzenegger championed the state’s health today by signing the Trans Fat Bill (AB 97, Mendoza). The challenge before him now is to continue to show national leadership and commitment to health by supporting SB 1420 (Padilla), the menu labeling legislation.

Simple, straightforward and actionable, SB 1420 offers Californians exactly what they’ve been asking for – calorie counts on menus and menu boards so they can make healthier choices when eating out. Supported by major health groups like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, SB 1420 is good public policy that experts around the nation agree will make a difference in the rising obesity crisis. That’s in direct contrast to the sham alternative bill promoted by the fast food lobbyists (AB 2572), which is opposed by health experts throughout the state.

Knowing the Governor’s commitment to making a real impact on the obesity crisis, we call on him to throw his support behind SB 1420 and not surrender to restaurant interests dedicated to stalling any real effort to help consumers make healthier purchasing decisions.For additional information on SB 1420 visit http://www.publichealthadvocacy.org/.