ARLINGTON, VA — The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, 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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About NGA
The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for close to one percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating $131 billion in sales, 944,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $27 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.
Source: The National Grocers Association (NGA)
