King County
(Seattle), Washington
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/
Status: On July 19, 2007, the King County Board of Health adopted
regulations to require nutrition disclosure on menus and menu boards at
fast-food and other chain restaurants. In the Washington State Legislature’s
2008 session, House Bill 3160, a bill that would have prohibited local boards of
health from adopting restaurant labeling regulations, was passed out of the
House of Representatives. The chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee urged
the King County Department of Health to compromise with the Washington
Restaurant Association (WRA) to avoid state legislation amending or preempting
the King County menu labeling regulations.
As a result, the King County Board of Health and the WRA negotiated a set of
amendments to the regulations, and the WRA requested that House Bill 3160 not be
moved. On April 17, 2008 the King County Board of Health voted to amend their
regulations. The negotiated regulations require nutrition disclosure at
fast-food and other chain restaurants as of December 31, 2008. Labeling
regulations for drive through menu boards go into effect August 1, 2009.
Summary: The regulations require chain restaurants with fifteen or more national
locations and $1 million in annual sales (collectively for the chain) to display
calorie, saturated fat, sodium, and carbohydrate information for foods and
beverages on menus (or approved methods at the point of ordering including menu
inserts, menu appendices, supplemental menus, or electronic kiosks at each
table, as long as the menu prominently states on each page the location and
means by which nutrition information is provided). If the restaurant uses a menu
board, calories must be posted on the board (or other approved, easily readable
sign adjacent to the menu board and visible from the line prior to the point of
ordering). The remaining nutrition information (saturated fat, sodium, and
carbohydrates) must be provided in a plainly visible format at the point of
ordering. Exemptions are provided for items on the menu for less than 90 days;
unopened, prepackaged foods; foods in salad bars, buffet lines, cafeteria
service, and other self serve arrangements; and food served by weight or
custom-ordered quantity. Grocery and convenience stores are also exempt.
New York City
www.nyc.gov/health
Status: On December 5, 2006, the Board of Health adopted regulations amending
the Health Code (§81.50) to require menu labeling. The regulation was to become
effective on July 1, 2007. The regulations were challenged in a lawsuit brought
by the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA). On September 11, 2007, a
federal judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York held that the regulations were preempted by 21 U.S.C §343(r) because
they applied only to restaurants that had voluntarily provided calorie
information (voluntary claims in restaurants are regulated at the federal
level), as opposed to simply requiring all chain restaurants to post calorie
information, which would not be preempted.
The New York City Department of Health redrafted their menu labeling regulations
and a revised §81.50 was adopted by the Board of Health on January 22, 2008. The
New York State Restaurant Association brought another lawsuit challenging the
new regulations. On April 16, 2008, the same federal judge for the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York upheld the New York City Board of
Health regulations – ruling that the New York City menu labeling regulations are
not preempted by federal law, nor do they infringe on restaurant’s First
Amendment rights. The NYSRA requested a stay to keep the City from enforcing the
regulations until an appeal was heard. The judge denied that request on April
18, 2008. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals also denied the NYSRA motion for a
stay on April 29, 2008. The Court of Appeals heard the NYSRA’s appeal the week
of June 9, 2008. They have not yet returned a ruling.
The New York City menu labeling regulations went into effect March 31, 2008; due
to litigation, enforcement was delayed until May 5, 2008, and fines for
noncompliant fast-food and chain restaurants began being issued starting July
19, 2008.
Summary: The regulations require food-service establishments, which are part of
a chain of 15 or more restaurants nationally, to list calories for standard menu
items on menu boards, menus, or food item display tags. Font and format used for
calorie information must be at least as prominent in size as is used for the
name or price of the menu item.
Philadelphia
http://www.phila.gov/citycouncil/index.html
Status: On February 14, 2008, Councilmember Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a
menu labeling ordinance (No. 080167). The bill was voted out of the Committee on
Public Health and Human Services on April 10, 2008. On November 6, 2008, the
bill passed by a 12 to 5 vote. The Mayor signed the bill into law on November
20, 2008.
Summary: This bill amends the city’s health code to require that calories,
saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, and carbohydrates be displayed on menus and
calories on menu boards and food tags in restaurants with 15 or more units
nationally. If a restaurant serves food in wrappers or boxes, it must display
the nutrition information on the wrapper or box in a clear and conspicuous
manner. The law sets a fine of $500 for noncompliance. The menu board provisions
of the law went into effect on February 1, 2010, and the menu labeling
requirement goes into effect April 1, 2010.
Westchester County, New York
http://www.westchesterlegislators.com/index.htm
Status: On January 22, 2008, the bill was introduced in the Westchester County
Board of Legislators. The bill was referred to both the Legislation and
Community Services Committees. The measure passed out of both committees on
September 22, 2008. The bill was passed on November 10, 2008 Westchester County
Board of Legislators and enacted on November 13.
Summary: Chapter 708 requires chain food-service establishments with at least 15
locations anywhere to display calorie information on menu boards (including
drive-thrus) and menus. With prior approval from the Westchester County
Department of Health, chain food service establishments could use alternative
means of making calorie information available to patrons, as long as the
information is available at the point of purchase and is as prominent as menu
labeling. The law will take effect 180 days after enactment (May 12, 2009).
Passed in to law
Albany County, NY
http://www.albanycounty.com/portal-government.asp
Local Law No. “B” for 2009 Introduced on April 13, 2009 by County Legislators
Nichols, Higgins, and Scavo.
Status: Referred to the Health Committee on April 13, 2009. Favorable
Recommendation by Health Committee on July 29, 2009. Passed by Albany County
Legislature 32-3 on August 10, 2009. Signed by County Executive Michael Breslin
on September 2, 2009. The policy will take effect 180 days after its filing with
the Office of the Secretary of State.
Summary: This law requires chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
nationally to post calorie information for regular menu items on menus, menu
boards, and food tags. Adjacent stanchions are allowed as an alternative to
posting calories on drive-thru menu boards. Items on the menu for less than 30
days a year are exempt.
California
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html
SB1420: Introduced February 21, 2008 by Senators Alex Padilla (D) and Carol
Midgen (D), with Assembly Member Mark DeSaulnier (D) as principal coauthor.
Status: This bill is a reintroduction of SB120 which was vetoed by Governor
Schwarzenegger in 2007. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Rules
for assignment. Voted out of the Senate Committee on Health on March 27, 2008.
Passed by the Senate by a vote of 21 to 17 on May 22, 2008. Referred to the
Assembly. Voted out of the Assembly Committee on Health by a vote of 10 to 5 on
June 17, 2008. Voted out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a vote of
12 to 4 on August 7, 2008. Passed by the Assembly by a vote of 46 to 28 on
August 27, 2008. The amended bill then returned to the Senate where it was
passed by a vote of 24 to 13 on August 31, 2008. Governor Schwarzenegger signed
the bill on September 31, 2008.
The predecessor of this bill, SB120, was referred to the Senate Committee on
Health on February 1, 2007, and voted out of that committee on March 14, 2007.
Voted out of Senate Appropriations Committee on April 16, 2007. Passed by the
Senate by a vote of 22 to 17 on May 31, 2007. Referred to the Assembly. Voted
out of the Assembly Health Committee on June 26, 2007. Passed by the Assembly
September 10, 2007 by a vote of 43 to 32. Vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger on
October 14, 2007.
Summary: This law requires fast-food and other chain restaurants that have 20 or
more locations in California to post calorie information for all standard menu
items on menus, menu boards, and food display tags. The policy allows for a
range of nutritional information (minimum to maximum) for combo meals that have
options and/or side orders. Calorie information may be provided per serving for
family meals and family meal combos intended for more than one person (but not
for appetizers or desserts). Nutrition information is not required at grocery
stores, for items on the menu for less than 180 days, alcoholic beverages, or
self-service items at salad bars or buffet lines. This law supersedes and
replaces any existing or future local ordinances in California related to the
provision of nutrition information in restaurants.
The law will be phased-in with full implementation by January 1, 2011. The first
phase: from July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010, restaurants must provide a
brochure placed at the point of sale that includes at least calories, sodium,
saturated fat, and carbohydrate information per menu item. For sit-down
restaurants, the information must be provided at the table. Drive-thrus are
required to have brochures available upon request and have a notice of the
availability at the point of sale. The second phase: By January 2, 2011,
calories must be listed on menus, menu boards, and food display tags next to the
menu item. Drive-thrus shall continue to have a brochure available upon request
and must have a notice that the information is available.
Davidson County, TN
http://health.nashville.gov/default.asp
Status: Regulations were proposed in November 2008 by the Metropolitan Public
Health Department. On November 6, 2008, the Metropolitan Board of Health held a
public hearing to consider the proposed menu labeling regulations. After
amending the regulations, the Board of Health invited additional public comment.
On March 5, they voted 4-1 to approve the regulations. Tennessee state
legislature passed HB 0950 to overturn the Davidson County regulations on June
19, 2009. Governor vetoed bill July 1, 2009. Legislature overturned veto on
February 8, 2010.
Summary: The regulations require chain restaurants with at least fifteen
locations nationally to display calorie information on menus, menu boards, and
food tags. They exempt entertainment facilities, lodging establishments,
alcoholic beverages, and any menu items that are on the menu for less than 90
days in a calendar year. Menu items can be labeled as more than one serving. The
regulation will go into effect March 31, 2010.
Maine
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/
LD 1259 Introduced March 31, 2009 by Speaker Hannah Pingree.
Status: Referred to House Committee on Health and Human Services on March 31,
2009, and the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on April 7, 2009.
May 29, bill reported out of Committee. The bill was amended and passed by House
by a vote of 88-56 June 2. On June 9, bill was amended and passed by Senate
(18-16). On June 11, House passed amended bill (85-59) and Senate passed the
bill to be enacted (20-14). Law signed by Governor on June 15, 2009.
Summary: LD 1259, an Act to Increase Access to Nutrition Information, requires
restaurants that have 20 or more locations nationally to provide caloric
information per serving for standard menu items on menus, menu boards (including
drive-thrus), and food tags. Grocery and convenience stores, hotels, motels,
movie theaters, self-serve items such as from a salad bar or buffet, and menu
items that are on the menu for 90 days or less per year are exempt. Average
calorie values for alcoholic beverages can be posted. For items that come in
different flavors and varieties, the median value shall be listed if the calorie
contents for all varieties are within 20% of the median. If not, calorie
information must be provided for each variety. The law prevents localities from
regulating nutrition disclosures in chain restaurants and other information
postings on menus, menu boards, or food tags. The law goes into effect on
February 1, 2011.
Massachusetts
http://www.mass.gov/dph
Status: In January 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health proposed
amendments to 105 CMR 590.000, State Sanitary Code Chapter X: Minimum Sanitation
Standards for Food Establishments. Public hearings were held on February 24 and
25, 2009. The calorie posting amendments were adopted May 13, 2009.
Implementation of the regulations must take place by November 1, 2010.
Summary: The regulations require chain restaurants with 20 or more locations in
Massachusetts to list calories on menus, menu boards (including drive-thrus),
and food tags for standard menu items. Nutritional analysis of menu items must
be done by a dietitian or nutritionist licensed at the state or national level.
Grocery stores, convenience stores, vending machines, and items that are on the
menu for less than 30 days are exempt. Alcoholic beverages may be labeled using
average calorie values for beers, wines, and spirits.
Montgomery County, Maryland
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
Status: On July 31, 2007, Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal
introduced Bill no. 19-07, which was cosponsored by Councilmember Duchy
Trachtenberg. A public hearing was held on September 17, 2007. The bill was
voted out of committee on October 15, 2007. The bill passed the County Council
November 17, 2009, and was signed by the County Executive November 27, 2009.
Summary: The law requires chain restaurants with at least twenty national
locations to display calories on menus and menu boards (including drive-thru
menu boards) for standard menu items (on the menu for at least 60 days per
year). Additional nutrition information (including total fat, saturated fat,
sodium, fiber, and sugars) will be provided in writing on the premises upon
request. Calories also must be posted for self-serve items, such as from salad
bars, buffets, and food on display. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and
movie theaters are exempt. The menu labeling requirement takes effect on July 1,
2010.
Multnomah County, OR
http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/cc/
Status: On July 31, 2008, the Multnomah County Board of Health passed a menu
labeling measure (Order No. 08-114) four to one. The policy was reviewed by the
Department of Health, which addressed the details of implementing the measure.
The final regulations were adopted February 12, 2009. The policy took effect
March 12, 2009, and fines for restaurants that are found to be in violation will
begin to be levied January 1, 2010. The Multnomah County menu labeling
regulations were preempted by Oregon state law on June 17, 2009.
Summary: This policy requires all chain restaurants with 15 or more outlets
nationally to post calorie information on menus, menu boards, and food tags for
standard menu items with additional nutrition information (saturated fat, trans
fat, carbohydrates, and sodium) available upon request. Items that are offered
for sale for 90 days or less and movie theaters are exempt.
New Jersey
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us
S2905 Introduced June 15, 2009 by Senators Joseph Vitale, Shirley Turner, Connie
Wagner, and Herb Conaway, Jr.
Status: Reported out of Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens
Committee with amendments on December 7, 2009. Passed Senate (22-16) on December
10. Received in Assembly December 14. Amended on Assembly floor on January 7,
2010. Passed Assembly (43-32-1) on January 11. Passed Senate (22-15) on January
11. Signed into law January 17, 2010.
Summary: The law requires retail food establishments with 20 or more locations
nationally to list calorie information for all standard menu items (on the menu
for at least 60 days) on printed menus and menu boards. Calories can be listed
either on the drive-through menu board or on an adjacent stanchion visible at
the point of ordering. Average values can be used for labeling alcoholic
beverages. If a menu item, other than an appetizer or dessert, is intended to
serve more than one person, the restaurant can list the number of individuals it
is intended to serve and the calorie content for each individual serving. The
law prevents localities from regulating dissemination of caloric information or
the content required on menus, menu boards or similar signage in restaurants.
The bill would take effect one year after passage, January 17, 2011.
Oregon
http://www.leg.state.or.us
HB 2726 Introduced by Representatives Kotek and Greenlick and Senators Bates and
Morrisette.
Status: The bill was referred to the Speaker’s desk on February 17 and to the
Human Services committee on February 24, 2009. A public hearing was held on
March 13, 2009. The bill was amended and reported out of Committee do pass on
May 1, 2009. Bill was referred to Rules Committee. Public hearing was held May
11. May 13, bill was amended and reported out do pass. Bill passed House 43-15
on May 15, 2009. Bill passed Senate 21-7 on June 1, 2009. Law was signed by the
governor on June 17, 2009. The bill goes into full effect January 1, 2011.
Summary: The Oregon menu labeling law requires chain restaurants with 15 or more
outlets nationwide to post the calorie content for each menu item on menus, menu
boards (including drive-thrus), and food tags. Calorie information for
self-serve items must be provided on a menu board or food tag. Chain restaurants
also must have the following information for each standard menu item available
to customers upon request in the restaurant: saturated fat, trans fat,
carbohydrates, and sodium. Movie theaters and items offered for sale less than
90 days per year are exempt. The Department of Human Services shall adopt rules
for labeling alcoholic beverages and possible exceptions for drive-thru
labeling. If a menu item, other than an appetizer or dessert, is intended to
serve more than one person, the restaurant can list the number of individuals it
is intended to serve and the calorie content for each individual serving. The
bill prevents localities from requiring nutrition disclosures in restaurants.
San Francisco City and County
http://www.sfgov.org/site/bdsupvrs_index.asp
Status: On March 18, 2008, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a menu
labeling ordinance (File No. 071661, Ordinance No. 40-08) that requires
nutrition disclosure on menus, food tags, and posters by July 22, 2008 and menu
boards by September 20, 2008 at fast-food and other chain restaurants. This
ordinance was superseded by state law signed on September 31, 2008.
Summary: This ordinance amended the city’s health code to require that calories
for standard menu items be displayed on menu boards and food tags and calories,
saturated fat, carbohydrates, and sodium be displayed on menus in chain
restaurants with twenty or more units in California. Items placed at the counter
for general use, alcoholic beverages, and items that are on the menu for less
than 30 days would have been exempt. This ordinance also would have required
chain restaurants to provide calories, total fat, saturated fat, sodium,
protein, fiber, cholesterol, and carbohydrates on posters that are readily
visible to customers. Chain restaurants were required to report annually their
nutrition information to the Department of Public Health, which would have made
the information available to the public.
San Mateo County, CA
http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/bos/home/0,,1864_2133,00.html
Status: On August 12, 2008, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted
unanimously to adopt a menu labeling ordinance filed by Supervisors Jerry Hill
and Rose Jacobs Gibson. Following the passage of the California state policy,
this bill was repealed due to state level preemption.
Summary: This ordinance would have required chain restaurants in the
unincorporated areas of the county with fifteen or more outlets in California to
post calorie information on menu boards and food tags, and calories, saturated
fat, trans fat, carbohydrates, and sodium on menus. The policy would have gone
into effect on January 1, 2009.
Santa Clara County, CA
http://www.sccgov.org/portal/site/bnc/
Status: On December 4, 2007, Supervisor Liz Kniss recommended that the
Administration and County Counsel draft a menu labeling ordinance. The draft
ordinance was presented to the Health and Hospital Committee at its April 30,
2008 meeting. On June 3, 2008, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
unanimously passed a menu labeling ordinance, Ordinance No. NS-300.793. This
ordinance has been superseded by state law signed on September 31, 2008.
Summary: This ordinance would have added Chapter XXII to the Santa Clara County
Ordinance Code to require that calories for standard menu items be displayed on
menu boards and food tags and that calories, saturated fat, trans fat,
carbohydrates, and sodium be displayed on menus in chain restaurants (fourteen
or more units in California) located within the unincorporated areas of the
County. For restaurants that use menu boards or food tags, saturated fat, trans
fat, carbohydrates, and sodium would have been provided in writing at the point
of ordering. Items placed at the counter for general use, alcoholic beverages,
and items that are on the menu for less than 30 days would have been exempt.
Suffolk County, NY
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/legis/
Resolution 2234-2008 Introduced in December 16, 2008 by Legislators D’Amaro and
Gregory.
Status: On January 29, 2009 the Health and Human Services Committee of the
Suffolk County Legislature heard the Resolution and voted in favor. February 3,
2009 the full legislature held a public hearing and voted 17-1 to pass the
Resolution.
Summary: The resolution requires the Commissioner of Health Services and the
Board of Health to write and implement regulations to require that chain
restaurants with 15 or more locations nationally post calorie content
information for all regular menu items on menus and menu boards (including
drive-thrus).
Ulster County, NY
http://www.co.ulster.ny.us/legislature.html
Local Law No. 1 of 2009 Introduced in January 2009 by Legislator Rob Parete.
Status: The Ulster County Menu Labeling Act passed out of the Health Services
Committee on January 22, 2009 and was referred to the committee on Laws and
Rules. A public hearing was held on March 4. The legislature voted 17-9 to pass
the policy on April 7, 2009 and it was signed by the county executive on April
9, 2009.
Summary: This policy will require chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
nationally to post calorie information for regular menu items on menus, menu
boards (including drive-thrus), and food tags. The policy will take effect 180
days after adoption (October 5, 2009).
Introduced – Cities and Counties
Lane County, OR
http://www.co.lane.or.us/BCC/default.htm
Order #04-1-2 is being considered by the Board of County Commissioners of Lane
County, sitting as the Lane County Board of Health.
Status: First reading April 1, 2009. Second reading and public hearing on April
15.
Summary: This policy would require chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
nationally to post calorie information for regular menu items (including alcohol
and self-serve items, such as from salad bars or buffets) on menus, menu boards
(including drive-thrus), and food tags. Additional information including
saturated fat, trans fat, carbohydrates, and sodium must be available in writing
(through a supplemental menu, menu insert, brochure, kiosk, or an alternative
method approved by the Department of Health and Human Services) upon request.
Items on the menu for less than 90 days per year, movie and other theatres,
grocery stores, convenience stores, and bed and breakfasts are excluded. The
rules would take effect on April 15, 2009, with fines going into effect December
31, 2009.
Nassau County, NY
www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/legis/index.html
Resolution No. 18-2009 Introduced on June 22, 2009 by County Legislator Jeffrey
Toback.
Status: Passed out of Finance and Rules Committees on June 22, 2009. On July 7,
2009, the County Legislature held a public hearing and passed the measure.
Summary: This policy would require chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
nationally to post calorie information for regular menu items (including
alcohol) on menus, menu boards, and food tags. Items on the menu for less than
30 days would be exempt. Adjacent stanchions are allowed as an alternative to
posting calories on drive-thru menu boards. The policy would take effect 120
days after passage.
Rockland County, NY
www.co.rockland.ny.us/Legislature/default.html
Referral No. 9435 Introduced on March 26, 2009 by County Legislator Joseph
Meyers.
Status: Referred to the in the Multi Services Committee on May 12, 2009. A
public hearing was held July 7, 2009. The bill was sent back to the Multi
Services Committee.
Summary: This policy would require chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
to post calorie information for regular menu items on menus and menu boards
(including drive-thrus). The policy would take effect after filing with the
Office of the Secretary of State.
Introduced – States
Connecticut
http://www.cga.ct.gov
SB 1080 Introduced on February 27, 2009 as a committee bill by Senator Harris
and Rep. Ritter.
Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health. A public hearing was held
on March 6, 2009. The amended bill passed out of committee on March 26, 2009.
The bill was then referred to the Legislative Commissioner’s office for fiscal
analysis on March 27, was reported out favorably on April 9, and placed on the
Senate calendar. May 6, bill referred to Committee on Planning and Development.
May 11, passed out of Committee on Planning and Development. Amended bill passed
by the full Senate by a vote of 29 to 6 on May 21 and transmitted to the House.
On June 1, the bill passed the full House, as amended by the Senate, by a vote
of 89-60. The bill was vetoed by Governor Rell on July 2, 2009.
Summary: This bill would require chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
nationally to disclose calorie counts on menus, menu boards (including drive-thrus),
and food display tags for standard menu items, including self-serve items such
as from salad bars and buffets. Grocery stores, convenience stores, movie
theaters, alcohol, and items on the menu for 90 days or less would be exempt. If
a menu item is intended to serve more than one person, the restaurant shall list
the number of individuals it is intended to serve and the calorie content for
each individual serving. The bill would prevent localities from requiring
nutrition disclosures in chain restaurants. Menu labeling would be required by
July 1, 2010.
Delaware
http://legis.delaware.gov/LEGISLATURE.NSF
Senate Bill 81 Introduced April 30, 2009 by Senator Sokola and Representative
Kowalko, and cosponsored by Senators Hall-Long and Henry, and Representatives
Hudson, Longhurst and Schooley.
Status: Assigned to the Senate Small Business Committee on Apr 30, 2009.
Summary: This bill would require a food-service establishment with 10 or more
outlets in Delaware or nationally to post calories, saturated fat,
carbohydrates, and sodium on menus (including carry out menus). Menu boards
(including drive-thrus) and food tags could post only calories, with the
additional nutrition information available upon request. Items on the menu for
less than 30 days would be exempt. The bill would require the Division of Public
Health to conduct an education campaign and an evaluation of menu labeling. The
bill would go into effect one year after enactment.
District of Columbia
www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us
B18-0405 Introduced July 14, 2009 by Councilmembers Phil Mendelson (D) and
Marion Barry (D).
Status: Referred to Health Committee.
Summary: The Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act of 2009 would require
restaurants, which are part of a chain having 10 or more locations nationally,
to provide nutrition information for standard menu items (including alcohol,
self-serve items, and buffets). On printed menus, the information would include
calories, saturated plus trans fat, carbohydrates, and sodium. Nutrition
information on menu boards (including drive thrus) and food tags could be
limited to calories, provided that additional information be made available to
customers in writing upon request. Items on the menu for less than 30 days
per year would be exempt. The policy would take effect nine months following
enactment.
Florida
http://www.flsenate.gov
S2590 Introduced on March 2, 2009 by Senator Gary Siplin (D).
Status: On March 12, the bill was referred to the Committees on Health
Regulation, Regulated Industries, Judiciary, and General Government
Appropriations. The first reading of the bill was on March 19, 2009.
Summary: This bill would require that chain restaurants with 19 or more
locations in the state provide nutrition information on menus, menu boards, and
food tags. Alcoholic beverages, buffets, salad bars, and items on the menu for
less than 180 days per year would be exempt. If a menu item is intended to serve
more than one person, it may list the number of individuals it is intended to
serve and the calorie content for each individual serving. The policy would
preemption localities from requiring nutrition information in restaurants. The
policy includes two phases:
Phase I (January 1-June 30, 2010) – Restaurants with sit-down service must
provide nutrition information for each standard menu item on menus, in a menu
insert, or on a brochure or menu tent at each table. Restaurants that use a
drive-thru or indoor menu board must provide information in a brochure that is
available upon request at the point of sale with a notice indicating its
availability. The nutrition information to be provided would include: calories,
carbohydrates, saturated fat, and sodium.
Phase II (would go into effect July 1, 2010) – Restaurants must post calorie
information adjacent to each menu item on menus, indoor menu boards, and food
tags.
Hawaii
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov
HB 5 Introduced January 22, 2009 by Representative K. Mark Takai (D).
Status: Referred to Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and
Commerce.
Summary: This bill would require a food-service establishment with 15 or more
outlets nationwide to post calorie information on menus, menu boards, and food
tags. Alternatives to drive-thru menu boards would be allowed. Items on the menu
for less than 30 days would be exempt. The bill would go into effect on July 1,
2009
Indiana
http://www.in.gov/
HB 1207 Introduced January 12, 2009 by Representative Charlie Brown.
Status: Referred to Committee on Public Health. On January 27, 2009, Committee
gave a favorable report. At second reading, on February 2, 2009, the Committee
made amendments to the bill. On Feb 25, 2009, passed the out of the full House
by a vote of 51-46. Referred to the Senate. On March 3, 2009, referred to the
Senate Committee on Commerce and Public Policy & Interstate Cooperation.
Summary: This bill would require chain restaurants of 20 or more outlets in
Indiana to post calories and carbohydrates on menus and menu boards. Other
information including calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat,
cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, and protein must be made
available to customers in the restaurant. The effective date would be July 1,
2009.
Kentucky
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/
SB 133 Introduced February 12, 2009 by Senator Denise Harper Angel (D).
Status: Referred to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee on February 23,
2009.
Summary: The Consumer Menu Education and Labeling (CMEAL) Act would require
chain restaurants with 10 or more locations in Kentucky to provide calorie
information for menu items on menus or menu boards, including drive-thrus.
Additional information including calories, carbohydrates, saturated fat, and
sodium must be made available to customers; the format for that information is
not specified.
Maryland
http://mlis.state.md.us/
HB 601 Introduced on February 6, 2009 by Delegate Doyle Niemann (D). Cosponsors
are Ali, Benson, Carr, Frush, Glenn, Healey, Holmes, Hubbard, Hucker, Lafferty,
Levi, Manno, Montgomery, Nathan-Pulliam, Pena-Melnyk, Ross, Shewell, Stein, V.
Turner, and Weir.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Health and Government Operations. Public
hearing was held on March 3, 2009. At the request of the Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, the bill was withdrawn for further study.
Summary: This bill would require chain restaurants with 15 or more outlets
nationwide to post nutrition information for all standard menu items.
Restaurants using printed menus would be required to list calories,
carbohydrates, saturated plus trans fat, and sodium. Restaurants may list only
calories on menu boards including on drive-thrus, food tags, and for salad bars,
buffets and other foods on display, as long as the other nutrition information
is provided in writing at the point of ordering. The Act would take effect
October 1, 2010.
SB 142 Introduced on January 19, 2009 by Senator David Harrington (D).
Status: Referred to the Senate Finance Committee. Public hearing was held
February 19, 2009.
Summary: Same as HB 601 (see above).
Missouri
http://www.moga.mo.gov/
HB 755 Introduced on February 17, 2009 by Representative Jason Grill (D).
Status: Second reading on February 18, 2009.
Summary: This bill would require restaurants with 15 or more outlets nationwide
to post calorie contents on menus, menu boards, and food tags for each standard
menu item. Restaurants that use drive-thru menus may post calorie information on
the menu board or on an adjacent stanchion visible at or prior to the point of
ordering. Items on the menu for less than 30 days per year would be exempt.
New York
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/
AB 2720A Introduced January 21, 2009 by Assemblymember Ortiz. Cosponsors include
Gottfried, Cook, P. Rivera, Mayersohn, Gabryszak, Koon, Galef, Christensen,
Fields, Boyland, Paulin, and Barron. Multi-sponsors include Bradley, Brennan,
Clark, Dinowitz, Glick, Hooper, Jacobs, Latimer, Lavine, Maisel, McEneny,
Millman, Pheffer, J. Rivera, Rosenthal, Towns, and Weisenberg.
Status: Read once and referred to the Committee on Health. Passed out of the
Health Committee on February 4, 2009 and referred to the Committee on Codes.
Reported out of the Codes Committee on April 27. Advanced to third reading April
30, 2009. Amended on third reading on June 18, 2009 to AB2720A. Amended bill
passed Assembly 108-34 on June 22, 2009 and was referred to the Senate Rules
Committee.
Summary: This bill would require chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
nationally to list calories for all standard menu items on printed menus, menu
boards, or food tags. Restaurants may post calories on drive-thru menu boards or
adjacent stanchions. Items on the menu for less than 30 days per year, grocery
stores, and convenience stores would be exempt. The Commissioner of Health is
directed to promulgate regulations to implement the act, including rules for
posting menu items meant to provide multiple servings. The bill would preempt
the authority of local governments to adopt and enforce any more stringent menu
labeling policies and would take effect one year after enactment.
S 5003 Introduced on April 27, 2009 by Senator Thomas Duane (D).
Status: Referred to
the Senate Health Committee.
Summary: The bill would require chain restaurants with 15 or more locations
nationally and 5 or more locations in New York State to list calorie information
for all standard menu items on printed menus and menu boards or signs. Items on
the menu for less than 30 days per year would be exempt. The Commissioner of
Health is directed to promulgate regulations to implement the act. The bill
would take effect 180 days after enactment.
Oklahoma
http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/
SB 1135 Introduced February 2, 2009 by Senators Randy Bass and Constance
Johnson.
Status: The bill was referred to the Health and Human Services committee on
February 9, 2009 and reported Do Pass on February 19. On February 23, the bill
was amended and renamed by the Health and Human Services committee and reported
Do Pass. The amended bill passed the Senate by a vote of 37-8 on March 9, 2009.
On March 10, the bill was engrossed to the House. Representative Wes Hilliard is
the coauthor in the House.
Summary: Prior to being amended, the Healthy Choices Act would have required
that chain restaurants with 10 or more locations in the state provide nutrition
information on menus and menu boards. Grocery stores, convenience stores, drug
stores, vending machines, alcoholic beverages, buffets, salad bars, and items on
the menu for less than 180 days per year would be exempt. If a menu item is
intended to serve more than one person, it could list the number of individuals
it is intended to serve and the calorie content for each individual serving. The
bill would preempt localities from requiring nutrition disclosures in
restaurants. The policy included two phases:
Phase I (July 1, 2010-December 31, 2011) – Restaurants with sit-down service
must provide calories, saturated fat, carbohydrates, and sodium content for each
standard menu item on menus, in a menu insert, or on a brochure or menu tent on
each table. Restaurants that use a drive-thru or indoor menu board must provide
information in a brochure that is available upon request at the point of sale
under a notice indicating its availability.
Phase II (would go into effect January 1, 2012) – Restaurants must post calorie
content information adjacent to each standard menu item on menus, indoor menu
boards, and food tags.
The amended bill would create a Task Force on Dining Information and Nutritional
Education until November 30, 2009. The task force would be charged with
examining the feasibility of providing nutrition information to consumers in
restaurants and recommend any actions or legislation which it deems necessary or
appropriate.
Pennsylvania
www.leis.stae.pa.us
HB 1608 Introduced on June 3, 2009 by Representatives Peter Daley, Lawrence
Curry and Tim Mahoney.
Status: Referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Summary: This bill would require chain restaurants which have averaged at least
$500,000 in food sales over the last three years to post calories for all
standard menu items on menus, indoor menu boards, and food display tags. Calorie
information may be provided per serving for menu items and combo meals intended
to serve more than one person. Nutrition information would not be required for
items on the menu for less than 180 days, alcoholic beverages, and self-serve
items at salad bars, buffets, or beverage stations. Within 60 days after
enactment, the law would supersede and replace any existing or future local
ordinances in Pennsylvania related to menu labeling. Implementation of the
policy would be in two phases:
Phase I (January 1, 2011-June 30, 2012) – Restaurants must provide a brochure at
the point of sale listing calories, saturated fat, carbohydrates, and sodium
content for each standard menu item. For sit-down restaurants, the information
must be provided at the table. Drive-thrus would provide information in a
brochure that is available upon request at the point of sale under a notice
indicating its availability.
Phase II (would go into effect by July 1, 2012) – Restaurants must post calories
adjacent to each standard menu item on menus, indoor menu boards, and food tags.
Rhode Island
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/
H 5520 Introduced on February 24, 2009 by Representatives McNamara and Naughton.
Status: The bill was referred to House Health, Education and Welfare Committee
on February 24, 2009. A hearing was held on April 2, 2009. The Committee
recommended that the measure be held for further study.
Summary: This bill would require chain restaurants with 15 or more outlets
nationwide to post calorie information for each menu item on menus, menu boards
(including drive-thrus), and food tags. Items on the menu for less than 30 days
per year would be exempt. This policy would take effect on January 1, 2010.
S 0534 Introduced on February 25, 2009 by Senators Sosnowski, Perry, and
Sheehan.
Status: The bill was referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee. On
April 22, 2009, a hearing was held to consider the bill. The Committee
recommended that the measure be held for further study.
Summary: Same as H 5520 (see above).
Tennessee
http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/
HB 2319 Introduced on February 26, 2009 by Representative Michael Turner.
Status: On March 4, 2009 the bill was referred to the Committee on Health and
Human Resources and the Committee on Government Operations. On March 11, 2009,
it was referred to the Public Health and Family Assistance subcommittee of
Health and Human Resources. On April 22, the bill was amended. On May 5, 2009,
the bill was sent to a summer study committee by the Public Health and Family
Assistance Subcommittee of Health and Human Resources.
Summary: The
Tennessee Healthful Menu Act would require a chain restaurant of 20 or more
establishments nationwide to disclose, for all standard menu items, the total
number calories per serving as usually prepared and offered for sale. The
disclosure must be on the menu board (including drive-thrus), a food tag, the
menu, or an insert that accompanies the menu that is printed in the same font
size as the menu. Additional nutrition information must be located on the
premises and available to customers upon request prior to the point of ordering.
For each standard menu item, that information must include: calories, calories
from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates,
complex carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber, and protein. Items on the menu for
less than 90 days per year would be exempt. The policy would go into effect on
January 1, 2010.
In subcommittee, the bill was amended to allow alternatives to labeling on menus
and menu boards, including signs instead of menu boards and menu appendices or
supplemental menus instead of labeling directly on the menu. Drive-thru menu
boards and alcoholic beverages would be exempt. The amended state bill would
overturn the menu labeling policy passed in Davidson County and prevent other
localities from implementing policies regarding nutrition information in
restaurants. The implementation date would be moved back to June 30, 2010.
SB 2314 Introduced on February 26, 2009 by Senator James F. Kyle.
Status: On March 2,
2009, the bill was referred to the Committee on General Welfare, Health and
Human Resources.
Summary: Same as HB 2319 (see above).
Texas
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/
HB 1522 Introduced on February 19, 2009 by Representative Carol Alvarado.
Status: On March 2, 2009 the bill was referred to the Committee on Public Health
and read for the first time.
Summary: This bill would require that chain restaurants with 19 or more
locations in the state provide nutrition information on menus and menu boards.
Grocery stores, alcoholic beverages, buffets, salad bars, and items on the menu
for less than 180 days per year would be exempt. If a menu item is intended to
serve more than one person, it may list the number of individuals it is intended
to serve and the calorie content for each individual serving. The policy
includes two phases:
Phase I (January 1-December 31, 2010) – Restaurants with sit-down service must
provide nutrition information for each standard menu item on menus, in a menu
insert, or on a brochure or menu tent at each table. Restaurants that use a
drive-thru or indoor menu board must provide information in a brochure that is
available upon request at the point of sale with a notice indicating its
availability. The nutrition information to be provided would include: calories,
carbohydrates, saturated fat, and sodium.
Phase II (would go into effect January 1, 2011) – Restaurants must post calorie
information adjacent to each menu item on menus, indoor menu boards, and food
tags.
Vermont
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/
H. 120 Introduced on February 3, 2009 by Representatives Koch, Browning,
Clarkson, Devereux, Donahue, Emmons, Frank, Greshin, Hooper, Larocque, Lenes,
Martin, McFaun, Reis, Stevens, Turner, and Zuckerman.
Status: On February 3, 2009, the bill was read for the first time and referred
to the Committee on Human Services.
Summary: The bill would require restaurants with 10 or more establishments
nationwide to post nutrition information next to each item as offered for sale.
If a restaurant uses a printed menu, it must include calories, saturated fat,
carbohydrates, protein, and sodium for each menu item. If a restaurant uses a
menu board, it must post calories next to each item on the menu and have the
additional nutrition information available in writing upon request. Grocery and
convenience stores and items on the menu for less than 30 days per year would be
exempt. The Department of Health would have 12 months from enactment of the bill
to adopt rules to implement the policy.
West Virginia
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/
HB 2745 Introduced on February 23, 2009 by Delegates Perdue, Hatfield, Marshall,
Michael, Moore, and Rodighiero.
Status: Upon introduction, the bill was referred to the Committee on Health and
Human Resources, then to the Committee on Government Organization. On March 5,
2009, the Committee on Health and Human Resources reported the bill Do Pass and
sent it to Government Organization.
Summary: The bill would create the Healthy Lifestyles Restaurant Calorie Posting
Program. The program would require the Governor’s Office of Health Enhancement
and Lifestyle to propose rules for legislative approval that would require
restaurants with 15 or more locations nationally to post calorie information on
menus, menu boards, and food tags. The Office would write rules for labeling at
or near drive-thru menu boards. All state agencies would be required to market
the program to their members.
SB 419 Introduced on March 3, 2009 by Senators Foster, Jenkins, Prezioso, and
Stollings.
Status: Upon introduction, the bill was referred to the Committee on Health and
Human Resources. It passed out of the Committee on March 25, 2009 and was
referred to the full Senate. On March 30, the bill was defeated in the Senate.
Senator Deem filed a motion to have the bill reconsidered on March 31, 2009. A
floor amendment was adopted that would exempt restaurants that are not located
in at least 10 states other than West Virginia. The amended bill passed out of
the Senate on March 31, 2009 and was referred to the House.
The bill was then amended by the House Committee on Health and Human Resources
to eliminate the exemption for restaurants operating in less than 10 other
states. It passed out of the Committee on April 3, 2009 and was referred to the
House Committee on Government Organization. The Committee on Government
Organization defeated the bill on April 7, 2009.
Summary: Same as HB 2745 (see above).
