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[July 23rd, 2008] IT’s about personal responsibility Dear Willamette Week: Thank you for putting the spotlight on Multnomah County’s initiative to order nutrition labeling in fast food and chain restaurants [“Food Fight,” WW, July 16, 2008]. And thanks to the County Commissioners—for taking a major step forward in protecting the health and free choice of Oregonians.

Although we eat out more than ever before, few restaurants provide nutrition information. As a result, we often consume more calories, fat, and salt than we realize. This can be particularly problematic for people who watch what they eat to manage health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

Hilton Manager Tracy Marks is absolutely correct—personal responsibility is a major factor in obesity—and that’s one of the reasons why we need clear nutrition information to make informed choices. It’s difficult-to-impossible to make healthy choices when the information is hidden on tray liners and websites.

The Oregon Restaurant Association’s objections on health grounds seem disingenuous considering so many county, state and national health authorities support nutrition labeling. The information that is being proposed is neither confusing nor overwhelming. It would provide an important new tool to help us eat well and maintain a healthy weight. Consumers have a right to this information so they can take responsibility for their own health.

Weight is a strong predictor of chronic disease, and while menu labeling may not solve the obesity problem, it’s one of the critical policies that will help create an environment that makes healthy behavior easier.

Roger D. Cone, Ph.D., Joan Randall, MPH

OHSU Center for the Study of Weight Regulation And Associated Disorders

Give it a chanceHey, Willamette Week, piece of advice. Mamma Mia is an ABBA album turned into a play turned into a movie. Everyone knows Mamma Mia is based on ABBA music. Everyone who goes to Mamma Mia expects to see and hear ABBA music, unless they’re stupid. You don’t send a vegan to review an Outback restaurant, do you? So next time, how about sending someone who actually likes ABBA to review Mamma Mia? Thanks.

Craig Chatterton

Scappoose

CLARIFICATION:Last week’s story “Pour-tland” incorrectly implied that New Seasons benefits from labor of baristas trained by POIC. The company leases the space to POIC for $1 a year and doesn’t share in revenues from the kiosk. The article should’ve said POIC trainees staff a kiosk “at” New Seasons in Arbor Lodge, not “for” New Seasons. WW regrets the mistake.