US chain menus could soon start counting calories

* Restaurants back law to disclose calories

* Legislation part of health reform bill

By Christopher Doering

WASHINGTON, June 10 (Reuters) - Large U.S. chain restaurants, criticized for their role in the country's obesity epidemic, agreed on Wednesday to support legislation that would require them to disclose calories on their menus.

Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations would have to list on their menus the number of calories per item and would also have to make available upon request other nutritional information such as the amount of sugar, salt or cholesterol.

The menu labeling law could be included in health reform legislation expected to be discussed in Congress during the next few weeks.

"America is facing an obesity epidemic which must be addressed at the national level," said Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, who along with Democratic Senators Tom Harkin and Tom Carper, have backed menu labeling legislation.

"This compromise will allow Americans to be informed about the nutrition content of their foods prior to the point of purchase," she said.

The measure is backed by the National Restaurant Association, which includes Dunkin Donuts and Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI.N), operator of the Red Lobster and Olive Garden chains. The American Diabetes Association and the Center for Science in the Public Interest also support the legislation.