Philly mayor signs menu-labeling billPhilly mayor signs menu-labeling bill

PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter on Thursday signed into law a bill that requires local units of chains with 15 or more stores nationwide to post calorie counts, fat content and other nutrition information on their menus beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

The bill, which was passed last month by the Philadelphia City Council, goes further than a similar measure in New York City, which requires chain operators to post only calorie counts on their menus. Philadelphia's new law requires operators to post on menus the amount of calories, trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and carbohydrates, according to a copy of the bill on the City Council's website. Chain restaurants that use menu boards have to post calorie counts only but must make the other information available to customers.

The mayor signed the bill at Temple University’s Center for Obesity Research Education here.