Will Rensselaer County count calories?

March 25, 2010 at 5:14 pm by Kenneth C. Crowe II

The public counting of calories at fast food restaurants has become part of the effort to fight the national obesity epidemic. Albany County does it and so does Schenectady County. New York City does it and it’s included in the federal health care bill.

Now, Rensselaer County Legislator Peter Grimm, D-Troy, is proposing the county mandate it too.

Here’s Grimm’s take on the matter:

Legislator Grimm Calls on Rensselaer County Legislature to Consider Calorie Count Bill

Troy Legislator Peter Grimm has called on the Rensselaer County Legislature to consider a local law that would require chain food service establishments to post nutritional information – specifically, calories contained in menu items, at the point of consumer decisions at fast-food restaurants. Similar laws are now in effect in both Albany and Schenectady Counties affording responsible consumer choices at these restaurants. In a letter of memorandum, Grimm urged the County Executive and Chairman of the Legislature to join with him and support a local law initiative. “Calorie information is going to be in plain sight for all consumers to see, putting knowledge in the hands of people. I believe anything we can do to help children and families make wise and healthy decisions will make a difference”, said Grimm.

With the historic signing of a national heath care reform act, significant emphasis is being placed on preventative care as a means of controlling costs and promoting personal responsibility for good health. “As we await the numerous components of the new federal legislation to take effect, I believe Rensselaer County should be proactive in promoting healthy eating habits through increased consumer awareness and urge early initiation of this law”, stated Grimm. The local law will be presented to the Rensselaer County Legislature for consideration at its April meeting.



http://blog.timesunion.com/localpolitics/6509/will-rensselaer-county-count-calories/