California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law today that will require restaurants with 20 locations or more to list the calorie count and nutritional information for all their foods starting July 1, 2009. However full compliance won’t start until 2011 when calorie counts and nutritional info must be on menus as well as overhead menu signage. Until 2011, restaurants must provide brochures available to the customer until their menus have been re-designed to show the calorie count.

The bill was introduced by CA Senator Alex Padilla (D) of Pacoima. He believes that if Californians see how much calories they are eating, it may help them make better decisions towards a healthier lifestyle.