Menu Labeling Requirement in Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains
KEY PROVISION: Chain restaurants, including fast-food chains and vending machines, will be required to post calorie counts of their menu items directly on the menu.
This provision of Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires restaurants, fast-food chains, and vending machines to display calorie content of the foods for sale. While details of implementation are still pending, this provision is scheduled to go into effect after March 23, 2011.
Why this is important
Eating food away from home in restaurants and fast-food chains often results in consuming more calories, fat and salt. This results in weight gain and increases risk for chronic illness such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. By posting the nutrition content of foods offered in these settings, individuals can make informed choices when selecting food items. Menu labeling is included in the ACA as a means to reduce obesity and the incidence of chronic diseases, and in turn, reduce overall health care costs.
What this means in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, enforcement of this provision, which went into effect upon enactment of the ACA in March 2010, will remain inactive until implementation regulations are finalized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Details will be posted here as they become available.
