TORONTO, Ontario – A Canadian province is moving toward menu labeling. This week, the Ontario legislature introduced the Making Healthier Choices Act that would require restaurant chains to publish the calorie count for both alcohol and food items, the Toronto Sun reports.
Under the proposal, convenience stores, grocery stores and restaurants with 20 or more units located in Ontario would have to comply. The bill gives those chains six months to add the calorie data to their menus. “It will be as big as the price and beside the price,” said Health Minister Deb Matthews. “I want this to be really easy for consumers.”
Penalties for violations would include up to $1,000 per day for a single proprietor and $10,000 for a corporation. The act encompasses food and alcohol sold for instant consumption.
The proposal was put forth by the minority Liberal government, which needs the opposition party to support the bill in order for it to pass. A previous bill would have required calorie counts posted by menu items failed because it targeted restaurants with five or more Ontario units. “We don’t want this to capture the mom and pop stores,” said Matthews. “We don’t want this to be an unnecessary burden on restaurant owners.”
The Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA) support the measure because it would apply to all of Ontario, replacing local bylaws that are not standard. “Many believe it is the response to political pressure that restaurants are offering nutrition information, however, we do know our consumers are seeking nutrition information and restaurants have been already providing nutrition information for decades,” said Tony Elenis, president of the association. “Many realize it is fast becoming an everyday part of the dining experience.”
The NACS Position:
NACS supports the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (H.R. 1249/S. 1756), which outlines a less burdensome approach to menu labeling and includes language addressing the types of retail locations that are covered by federal menu-labeling requirements. For those convenience stores that would be covered by federal menu-labeling requirements, the act provides more flexibility with compliance.
Menu labeling is one of several issues NACS members on talking about today on Capitol Hill during the NACS Government Relations Conference with their legislators. Look for complete coverage of the event in the April issue of NACS Magazine.