Legislation to require chain restaurants to display the amount of calories contained in their foods may already be dead in the Legislature. Critics have portrayed the issue as an example of the nanny state dictating questionable regulations to businesses. Without the support of Gov. Baldacci, who isn’t on board, L.D. 110 has little chance for success.

It’s too bad.

The bill would require national chain restaurants – those with more than 20 locations – to post calorie information on their menus and menu boards. It would not affect single-location restaurants or places that serve made-to-order food. Its targets are fast-food chains which, for the most part, have already done calorie studies of their products.

The goal is simple: Provide consumers with comparative information about the food they are eating. If people knew that a shake has 1,200 calories, they might choose a different snack, one that doesn’t account for about two-thirds of what should be their daily calorie intake.

The legislation was developed by the Commission to Study Public Health as part of a coordinated campaign to reduce obesity in Maine.

We’re not surprised that the effort to get restaurant calorie labeling has run into significant opposition. When Rep. Sean Faircloth introduced similar legislation earlier, it also failed to win support, but did lead to the formation of the commission.

We are, however, surprised that Gov. Baldacci has said he doesn’t support the effort.

Much of the focus of the governor’s Dirigo Choice program is to expand access to preventative care and improve treatment for long-term, chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity is one of the leading contributors to such diseases. Efforts that successfully address obesity would help control medical spending and promote better health.

Posting calorie information on menus and menu boards represents a minor imposition on businesses. But it would provide consumers with better information on what they are eating.