The Food and Drug Administration, which has proposed posting calorie information at chain restaurants and on vending machines, suggested a broader mandate Friday afternoon, to include airplanes, bowling alleys and other places where food is sold.
“These proposals will ensure that consumers have more information when they make their own food choices,” Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “Giving consumers clear nutritional information makes it easier for them to choose healthier options that can help fight obesity.”
The FDA is seeking public comment for 60 days ending June 6, on whether these businesses should be required to post calorie information or whether other places should be included in the law. The FDA plans to issue final rules before year-end.
“Americans now consume about one-third of their total calories on foods prepared outside the home,” FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in a statement. “While consumers can find calorie and other nutrition information on most packaged foods, it’s not generally available in restaurants or similar retail establishments. This proposal is aimed at giving consumers consistent and easy-to-understand nutrition information.”
Under the proposal, businesses with 20 or more locations would have to post calorie information and indicate that further nutritional information is available. Operators who own 20 or more vending machines would also be required to comply.
The people cry for new rules and regulations on calories are the people advocate for the large corporations and franchises. They only know how to work for someone else to get the paycheck.
They should try to start up a small coffee shop for themselve to see how it works. Only large corporations and franchises can afford to operate with regulations and rules. That’s how they prevent competitors from entering their market and perhaps eliminate competitors with more rules and regulations later on. Soon, we can only eat at corporations’ owned and franchises’ restaurants. There will be no small independent restaurants like we used to have and enjoy in 1980s and 1990s.
Welcome to USA business competition in 21st century!