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Mass. to require restaurant chains to post calorie counts by The Republican Newsroom Thursday January 08, 2009, 4:30 PM By GLEN JOHNSON Associated Press BOSTON - Massachusetts plans to fight its obesity problem by requiring restaurant chains to post calorie counts and waging an aggressive campaign to educate parents about overweight students.... ... Student heights and weights are already measured annually, but under a new regulation, that data would have to be calculated into a Body Mass Index for students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10. The results would be sent to parents in a package explaining what they mean and how parents can best combat obesity. Body Mass Index uses a person's weight and height to measure a person's overall proportions. "We're trying to take information that, in most instances, sits in a child's file and convey it to a parent and the state so we can help a parent understand concerns with obesity ... and help them to do something about it," Auerbach said. While 18 other states require a BMI calculation, Massachusetts officials believe they would be the first to require giving it to parents a state-approved package that explains it...." http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/mass_to_require_restaurant_cha.html?category=Restaurants&category=Statehouse ....Please continue below the fold.... |
