Nutrition data on menus would aid public health

Letter to the Editor

April 13, 2009
by Alan Majka
Portland Press Herald

Many have criticized House Speaker Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, for sponsoring legislation that would require restaurant chains to publish nutrition information on menus instead of focusing her efforts on the economy.

The critics don't seem to understand that the economy is directly related to the health of our citizens...

In another report, The Trust for America's Health concluded that for every dollar spent in Maine to improve nutrition, increase physical activity and prevent smoking, $7.50 will be saved in Medicare, Medicaid, private insurer and out-of-pocket consumer expenses.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control predicts that as a result of poor nutrition and physical inactivity, one out of every three babies born today will develop diabetes at some point in their lives.

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