Will Calorie Counts Share Real Estate on Fast-Food Menus?

California Center for Public Health Advocacy:

WHAT: Do Californians really need calorie counts on fast-food menu boards? Proponents of Senate Bill 120, California’s nutritional labeling law are staging a fast-food quiz show at the State Capitol to answer that question. Leading advocates, physicians and politicians will dramatically make their case as the Governor decides the fate of this simple obesity prevention legislation.

SB 120 would require all large restaurant chains with 15 or more locations to post nutritional information on their menus and menu boards. If signed, California would become the first state in the nation to require such information.

WHERE: California State Capitol Governor’s Press Room, Room 1190 Sacramento, California

WHEN: Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 10 a.m.

WHY: Health experts across the country have identified nutritional menu labeling as a primary strategy to address the obesity crisis affecting 60 percent of California adults. SB 120, an important obesity prevention strategy, would reduce health care costs and is supported by 84 percent of Californians.

WHO: Speakers: — Mark DeSaulnier – California State Assembly Member, 11th District — Dr. Glenna Trochet – Sacramento County Health Officer and President of the California Conference of Local Health Officers — Lupe Alonzo-Diaz – Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (Spanish Speaking)

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES: — McDonald’s and Denny’s entrees are put to the test as the public does its best to choose the low-calorie option — What’s the future going to look like? Watch as the fast-food menu board of tomorrow, complete with calorie counts, is unveiled — Interview ops with leading health proponents

CONTACT: Michael Miller -or- Harold Goldstein Brown-Miller Communications, Inc. CA Center for Public (800) 710-9333 or (925) 381-4766 Health Advocacy (530) 297-6000