Calorie Counts Coming to Restaurants

The Montgomery County Council has approved a bill that would force chain restaurants to post calorie counts on their menus.

The measure was approved on an 8-1 vote Tuesday, with Council member Mike Knapp voting against it. The regulations would take effect in July 2010.

Proponents say the rule would give consumers the information they need to make healthy eating choices. But restaurant owners have said revising menus will cost them money. They say it's the wrong time for such a change because many restaurants are struggling in the recession.

The law would apply to restaurants with 20 or more facilities nationally and would only require calorie information.

A similar law is in effect in New York City.