Barack Obama's healthcare bill, the result of a long political battle, includes legislation that will make it mandatory for any restaurant chain that has more than 20 locations to include calories information on its menus. The law will affect many of the big chains, including McDonald’s, Burger King and Starbucks, who will all have to inform customers exactly how many calories their food contains.

A spokesman for the National Restaurant Association said: “We have been strong advocates and supporters in trying to ensure this provision became law, and are extremely pleased it was signed into law.” This healthcare bill will also make nutritional information compulsory on all items sold through vending machines, supporting Michelle Obama’s campaign against childhood obesity.