Agreement Reached on National Menu Labeling Legislation

Restaurants with 20 or more locations would need to list calories on the menu or on menu boards, according to a summary of the legislation distributed by supporting lawmakers, including Sen. Tom Harper (D-Delaware), Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).

Consumers could request information about fat, sodium, carbohydrates and other nutritional aspects, the senators said, adding that the measure may be attached to the broader healthcare overhaul moving through the Senate.

Restaurants face “a growing patchwork” of labeling regulations around the country, said Sue Hensley, a spokesperson for the NRA. The association is “strongly in support of this measure” because customers would get “the same set of information no matter where they go.”

According to Bloomberg’s report, McDonald’s Corp., with 14,000 U.S. stores, supports the legislation, as does Burger King Holdings, which has 7,500 restaurants in the United States and Canada. Darden Restaurants Inc., Dunkin’ Donuts Inc. and Brinker International Inc. were also listed as being in support, as were the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association.

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