WASHINGTON, D.C. – Calorie counts on chain restaurant menus and menu boards will become mandatory today as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to complete implementation of the nutrition labeling provisions included in the health care law. The FDA will apply the rule to a broad range of eating establishments that will include chain restaurants, supermarket cafes, convenience stores, superstores, and movie theaters.
Implementation of the FDA rule comes after multiple rounds of delay and various legislative efforts to limit consumers’ access to nutrition information on menus.
A statement from Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), follows:
“With one in five cancer cases being linked to obesity, physical inactivity, or poor nutrition, ACS CAN has supported national enactment of menu labeling requirements since its original inclusion in the Affordable Care Act. We are pleased that the finalized rule will take effect after years of extraordinary delay and efforts by some politicians and certain retail establishment interests to undermine the health benefits of menu labeling.
“Arming consumers with more information about what they’re ordering when eating away from home is a good thing. Final implementation of menu labeling requirements by the FDA will help ensure people know more about what they are about to eat and can empower them to make healthier dietary choices. Additionally, menu labeling requirements can encourage food retailers to offer and promote healthier meal options.
“ACS CAN believes providing people with useful information will help them make healthy food and beverage choices when eating out that can ultimately reduce their cancer risk. This is a substantial step forward as we work to support policies that will promote public health and reduce suffering and death from cancer. We call on Commissioner Gottlieb and the FDA to implement and enforce this rule in the strongest way possible.”