On June 24th, 2008 the board of supervisors of the County of Santa Clara passed Ordinance NS-300.793, requiring chain restaurants to provide basic nutrient and calorie information to consumers. With obesity resulting in a serious public health crisis affecting states and localities across the county, menu labeling is a way to protect public health, safety and welfare. The purpose of this ordinance is to provide consumers with information about the nutritional components of food prepared, purchased, and eaten outside of the home. Identified chain restaurants in Santa Clara County will be required to provide consumers in the county with basic information such as nutrient and calorie information for menu items so that consumers may make an informed decision in furtherance of their individual health. The menu labeling ordinance is scheduled to go into effect on September 1, 2008.

For more information on menu labeling please contact the Public Health Information Line at 408.885.3980.

• Ordinance Summary