Sugar Warning Labels Coming to NYC Chain Restaurants

DessertPhoto byKelvin HanonUnsplash

New Yorkers visiting chain restaurants and coffee shops in the city will soon encounter new warning labels on menus and displays starting next month. A rule taking effect in October mandates that food service establishments with at least 15 locations nationwide must disclose any menu items containing 50 grams or more of added sugar. This initiative is in compliance with the Sweet Truth Act signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams, a plant-based eater who adopted the diet following a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Establishments failing to incorporate the new warning labels face fines. City Councilmember Keith Powers of Manhattan, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the importance of informing consumers about their sugar intake.

The warning statement, accompanied by a spoon icon, will be visibly displayed on menus or menu boards at chain locations. This effort aligns with precedent actions from past administrations in New York City, such as the ban on trans fats and smoking indoors.

Powers underscored the significance of empowering New Yorkers to make informed dietary choices when patronizing chain establishments. This new requirement aims to enhance transparency and promote healthier choices among New Yorkers dining out at chain restaurants and coffee shops. By prominently displaying the added sugar content on menus, consumers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about their food choices. Mayor Eric Adams' personal journey with plant-based eating and diabetes serves as a powerful backdrop to underscore the importance of such initiatives in combating rising rates of diet-related illnesses in the city.

City Councilmember Keith Powers' advocacy for the Sweet Truth Act reflects a commitment to public health and awareness. The spoon icon alongside the warning statement serves as a visual cue to draw attention to high sugar content in menu items, further reinforcing the message of moderation and health consciousness. This move not only aligns with previous health-focused measures in the city but also sets a precedent for other municipalities looking to address the impact of added sugars on public health.

Source:

https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-chain-restaurants-will-soon-slap-warning-labels-on-sugary-food-and-drinks