FDA Announces One Year Delay for Menu-Labeling Rule
July 9th, 2015
Washington–Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a one year delay in the implementation of the mandatory menu-labeling rule for chain restaurants and vending machines. The final rule went into effect on December 1, 2014, and covered establishments had until December 1, 2015 to implement the rule. Now, covered establishments will have until December 1, 2016 for implementation. The FDA implemented the delay in response to industry requests and to further clarify the rule’s requirements.
The regulations apply to restaurants and other food establishments with twenty or more locations operating under the same name and serving similar menu items. The regulations require covered establishments to post calories for standard menu items. Alcohol was originally exempted in the proposed rule, but was added in after public comments. The FDA is currently in the process of preparing additional guidance for the implementation of the regulation. That information is expected to be released later this summer.
WineAmerica will continue to monitor this issue closely as the FDA works to clarify implementation
For more information on the regulations and to read WineAmerica’s initial analysis of the final rule, please go here: FDA Publishes Final Rule on Menu Labeling Requirements for Restaurants
WineAmerica is the national voice the American wine industry. Based in Washington, D.C., WineAmerica represents wineries in 43 states and leads a coalition of state and regional wine and grape associations. As an industry leader, WineAmerica encourages the dynamic growth and development of American wineries and winegrowing through the advancement and advocacy of sound public policy.
Questions? Contact Michael Kaiser at mkaiser@nullwineamerica.org
