Maryland County Reinstates Healthy Vending Law

ELLICOTT CITY, MD -- Lawmakers in Howard County have reinstated a mandate that dictates at least 75% of snacks and drinks in vending machines on government property meet certain nutritional guidelines. The rules also extend to county-sponsored events. Vending machines on county property will also offer nonfat and lowfat milk, fruit and vegetable juices, and water.

The Howard County Council voted to override Executive Alan Kittleman's July veto of the measure limiting the amount of "junk food" and full-calorie sodas sold in vending machines.

Under the Maryland county's new rules, snacks cannot contain more than 0.5g. of trans fat, and must meet sodium, sugar and calorie limits.