DeLauro Dismayed By FDA Delay of Menu Labeling Deadline

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s announcement that they are postponing the deadline for chain restaurants and supermarkets to post calorie information in their stores. DeLauro spoke with Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Ostroff yesterday and urged him to do everything in his power to ensure there are no further delays.

“The final rule issued last year stipulated an implementation date of December 1, 2015, and I applauded that announcement. But I am dismayed by today’s announcement. Over the past year, FDA has done extensive outreach, provided a compliance guide for small entities and answered questions from industry. Between the rule and FDA’s efforts, industry has more than enough information to implement menu labeling.

“Enough is enough. Industry is doing everything they can to stonewall implementation of this important public health tool. It takes time to change signage, packaging, and data systems. I understand that. But ultimately we need to make sure consumers have nutrition information available to them when making purchasing decisions. It is already five years and counting since menu labeling became law. I urge the entire Administration, not just the FDA: get this done. Do not postpone the guidance you have said will come out next month. No more delays.”

DeLauro was the chief sponsor of menu labeling legislation for nearly a decade, and authored the provision in the Affordable Care Act that is resulting in chain restaurants across the country coming clean about how many calories are in the food they sell.

At yesterday’s Appropriations Committee markup she offered an amendment that would ensure chain restaurants and similar businesses have calorie counts posted on their menu boards no later than December 1, 2016. The text of that amendment can be viewed here.


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