Independent Grocers Applaud House for Advancing National Menu Labeling Solution

ARLINGTON, VA (July 27, 2017) — The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, today praised the House Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (H.R. 772). The bipartisan bill, introduced by U.S. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Tony Cardenas (D-CA), would clarify the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) final rule on menu labeling to create flexibility for grocers to comply.

“This bill provides a much-needed solution to a burdensome regulation that was applied on a one-size-fits-all basis to vastly different industries. Unlike the chain restaurants this law was originally intended for, locally-owned supermarkets operate in a variety of formats and often cater unique prepared foods to the communities they serve,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA. “NGA applauds the Committee for moving this bill forward and working toward fixes that provide chain supermarkets with the flexibility to continue serving shoppers with local and unique food choices while ensuring consumers receive clear nutritional information.”

The FDA finalized menu labeling regulations at the direction of the Affordable Care Act in November of 2014. The regulations require that chain restaurants, similar retail food establishments, and vending machines with 20 or more locations list caloric information on their menus and menu boards. The regulation is currently set to go into effect on May 7, 2018.

A companion bill (S. 261) has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Angus King (I-ME). 

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Additional resources:

• Statement for the Record on H.R. 772
• Comments to FDA on Final Menu Labeling Rule