A negotiated bipartisan agreement by three U.S. lawmakers that combines key elements of two existing Senate menu-labeling bills is drawing wide praise from inside and outside the industry.
Sens. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, Tom Carper, D-Del., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, reached an agreement to support a single uniform national nutrition standard based on two bills: the Labeling Education and Nutrition, or LEAN Act, and the Menu Education and Labeling, or MEAL, Act.
Under terms of the agreement -- which was crafted with the participation of members of the foodservice industry -- the measure would preempt all existing state and local menu-labeling requirements, and protect operators from frivolous litigation concern over the accuracy of nutrient content disclosure.
According to the agreement, chains with 20 units or more would post calorie counts for standard items on menus and menu boards as well as calories per serving for each item on a buffet and salad bar. Standard menu items must be offered for at least 60 days per calendar year and would not include daily specials, custom orders and test market items on the menu for less than 90 days.
In addition, restaurateurs would be required to post a brief statement regarding daily caloric intake, and advise guests that additional nutrition information is available. Other nutrition data -- which must be available on request -- would include calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber and protein.
The measure must next be taken up by the full Senate and House.
