Resolution 2008-41
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-41
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GILROY IN
SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 1420
Whereas, Obesity rates in adults doubled over the last twenty years--currently,
two-thirds of American adults (65%) are overweight or obese and the percentage of
seriously overweight children tripled in the past two decades (from 4% to 15%); and
Whereas, Obesity is a major risk factor for many health problems, including heart
disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States, diabetes, and some
cancers; and
Whereas, Since 1994, pursuant to the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act
(NLEA), food manufacturers have been required to provide nutritional information on
nearly all packaged foods. However, the NLEA explicitly exempts restaurants; and
Whereas, In 1970, Americans spent just 26% of their food dollars on foods
prepared outside the home, like restaurant meals; today the amount is 46%; and
Whereas, At most restaurants, people can only guess the nutritional quality of the
food. Larger portions, higher calories and fat and lack of nutritional information have
become a huge problem for the health of today' s Americans; and
Whereas, Studies have found a positive association between eating out and
higher caloric intakes and body weights. For example, children eat almost twice as many
calories when they eat a meal at a restaurant (770 calories) as at home (420 calories); and
Whereas, Recognizing the need for consumers to have the information they need
to make healthier choices when eating out, State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) has
introduced SB 1420; and
Whereas, SB 1420 would require chain restaurants with 15 or more outlets in
California to provide nutritional information per item on printed menus and menu boards;
and
Whereas, The United States District Court recently ruled that New York City's
menu-labeling ordinance-similar to the provisions of SB 1420--is legal, appropriate,
and in the public interest; and
Whereas, New York City is already implementing a menu-labeling ordinance, as
major food retailers have begun posting calorie counts on menu boards; and
Whereas, SB 1420 is an important step in giving consumers the information they
need to make healthier food choices. Consumers have the right to know the nutritional
content of restaurant meals.
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-41
Therefore, be it Resolved, that the City Council of the City of Gilroy is in
support ofSB 1420.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of October, 2008 by the following vote:
AYES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
ARELLANO, TUCKER,
WOODWARD and PINHEIRO
NOES:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
BRACCO, DILLON, GARTMAN
NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
APPROVED:
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-41
I, SHA WNA FREELS, City Clerk of the City of Gilroy, do hereby certify that the
attached Resolution No. 2008-41 is an original resolution, or true and correct copy of a city
resolution, duly adopted by the Council of the City of Gilroy at a regular meeting of said Council
held on the 6th day of October, 2008, at which meeting a quorum was present.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Official Seal of
the City of Gilroy this loth day of October, 2008.
Sh Freels, CMC
City Clerk of the City of Gilroy
(Seal)