Fight to change the menu-labeling rules continues in the Senate.
Convenience store operators can breathe a momentary sigh of relief as expensive menu-labeling rules, which were required to be implemented this year, are now being delayed until 2017.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this month that it would delay the enforcement of menu labeling rules, which were passed as part of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. The final menu-labeling rules were announced in 2014 with a start date at the end of 2015. That start date was then moved to the end of 2016. And now, retailers have until 2017 to comply.
The menu labeling rules require restaurants, convenience stores and other retailers that sell food in more than 20 locations to include calorie counts on menu boards or near the menu items.
Convenience stores, supermarkets have been protesting the menu-labeling rules, which can be especially challenging to meet in non-traditional food establishments.
In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Common Sense Menu Disclosure Act. That bill now moves to the Senate for approval.