Editorial | Informed decisions

Philadelphia's trying to make sure you think twice before ordering that cheesesteak.

Last week, the City Council approved an ordinance that requires chain food establishments to display nutritional information with menus, starting in 2010. The law only applies to eateries with 15 or more locations, so it won't harm small businesses.

We commend the Council for passing this smart policy.

The legislation is especially important because this is exactly how government should fight obesity - through education.

Last semester, for example, we opposed the city's trans-fat ban, which prevents consumers from making their own decisions about what they eat.

Menu-labeling legislation is different. Instead of resorting to nanny-state techniques, the government is providing consumers with more information so they can make educated decisions.

Food industry associations have fought the policy, arguing that it's too costly and represents an overreach by the government.

But the consumption of fatty foods imposes significant public health care costs on the rest of society. It's only fair that restaurants help foot the bill.

Educating people about what they eat will help reduce the economic burden of obesity. And it won't limit consumer choice.

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