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Now Calorie Rules Must Go Up, Appeals Court Rules
By
John Del Signore
Published Apr 30, 2008
Modified Apr 30, 2008
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By
John Del Signore
Published Apr 30, 2008
Modified Apr 30, 2008
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In a lawsuit that’s had more back and forth than John Goodman at an all-you-can-eat Marriott breakfast buffet, a federal appeals court has ruled that, yes, city restaurants with 15 or more establishments nationwide must start displaying calorie information for all foods and beverages. In the meantime, the city has agreed not to issue any fines for non-compliance until July 18th, by which time judges are expected to rule on the National Restaurant Association’s appeal.
The court is also seeking the FDA’s opinion on whether FDA rules permit cities to dictate what restaurants tell customers. The restaurant industry says the rules would violate their First Amendment rights and run counter to the federal Labeling and Education Act, which lets restaurants decide how to present nutrition information, if at all.
But at least one of the judges seems inclined to rule for the city, pointing out that cigarette packages contain health warnings. Judge Rosemary Pooler told industry lawyers yesterday, "If we were to adopt your view, no warnings would ever appear on anything."
Approximately 25% of the restaurants in New York City covered by the regulation, such as Starbucks, are voluntarily complying with the legislation. But last week some wondered how much anyone can really trust the stats they provide – a place like Chipotle says they have a low-cal burrito with 420 calories, but the only way to stay at that number is by eating a tortilla with black beans and nothing else.
Photo courtesy Vidiot.
Tagged
board of health
calorie
calorie information
calorie regulation
city
fast food
fda
health
mac
new york
new yorkers
obesity
rules
the city
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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