Ask Your Legislator to Co-Sponsor Sensible Menu Labeling Bill

NACS supports H.R. 2017, and we need you to ask your state representative for their support for the bill.

April 30, 2015

WASHINGTON – Late last year, the Food and Drug Administration finalized its burdensome menu labeling regulations. Earlier this week, Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Loretta Sanchez introduced H.R. 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition and Disclosure Act of 2015 ,which would provide much-needed compliance flexibility for our industry. NACS encourages you to contact your member of Congress to urge them to co-sponsor this legislation. 

Despite being provided with detailed comments and examples of how such a rule could – and should – be implemented in retail establishments that are not chain restaurants, the FDA’s original rule requires convenience stores to operate like a chain restaurant to effectively comply. Adding to the problematic nature of this rule is the fact that the implementation is fast approaching: December 1, 2015.

Convenience retailers are not opposed to providing customers with the type of caloric content information the rule requires of them, but retailers should be able to do so in a way that makes sense in our industry. In fact, many stores have the information available today in some form should customers request it. H.R. 2017 provides the reasonable accommodations that will make it possible for members of our industry to comply, without creating an undue business burden.

The Congressional Budget Office has indicated that the Menu Labeling Rule is one of the most expensive in history, due largely to the compliance costs required of smaller businesses. With the December 1, 2015, implementation date quickly approaching, we need swift congressional action on H.R. 2017, to provide the regulatory flexibility needed to ensure that this rule can be implemented fairly and effectively. Submitting a letter online will only take a couple minutes and will have a long-term impact on your business.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement