Oregon Public Broadcasting

Chain restaurants in Multnomah County will likely have to list the calorie count of their food starting next year.

As Andrew Theen reports, county commissioners heard scores of people testify -- including health advocates, concerned citizens and restaurateurs.

The commissioners passed the order 4-1.  There are some details that need to be finalized, but chain restaurants, defined as those with more than 15 locations nationally, must clearly display the caloric content of regular menu items.

Commissioner Jeff Cogen led the effort -- he said it's about increasing consumer awareness, and giving people choices.

But commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffy said the plan unfairly targets some businesses.

Maria Rojo de Steffy: "Because they sell the kind of food that they do, we're saying you know, you're the bad guys.  You have to list your nutritional analysis but the rest of you restaurants don't have to do it.  That's unfair."

The commissioners debated at length whether it was prudent to act before any statewide action was considered.  But State Representative Tina Kotek pledged to introduce similar legislation in Salem next year.