To count or not to count: The fast-food calorie question

The Nassau GOP created a user-fueled stir by repealing the sometimes-popular, sometimes-unpopular fast-food calorie law.

The legislation, passed by Democrats last year when they had control of the Nassau County Legislature, requires fast-food chains to post caloric information on their menus.

(Yes, that's why when you've gone to Subway lately, you've seen posted on the menu board that an oven-roasted chicken sandwich has 320 calories.)

Over on Facebook, fans of Newsday have battled over whether posting the nutritional info is necessary, or if it is overboard.

Tiffany Van Blarcom Elliot and Susan Schild Weiss argued that the posted information helps them "make healthier decisions." Weiss added that the calories show consumers that "some of those supposedly healthier salads can have more calories than burgers."

On the flip side, Bill Corbett said "there is no reason to have it," while Nathan Shapiro argued that it is "the government trying to guilt" people into acting a certain way. Shapiro continued, writing, "I know a Big Mac isn't good for me, but I don't need the government to baby me."

John Cabrera thought the whole notion was silly, writing, "We have to go there because of the kids, clowns, happy meals and toys. Listing the calories will make no difference."

Do you want to go to McDonalds and see how many calories a Big Mac packs, or would you rather not have the nutritional information posted?

Become a fan of Newsday on Facebook, and join the discussion!

AP File Photo