Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 539

Bill Title: Public Health - Chain Restaurants - Nutrition Information Labeling

Bill Sponsor(s): Sens. Harrington, et al.

Subject: Miscellaneous

Committee: FIN

Bill Summary: This bill would require chain restaurants with more than 15 locations to (1) List the number of calories contained in a standard menu item; (2) Provide additional caloric and component information regarding the food at the request of a customer; and (3) Post prominently a clear and concise statement on the menu regarding suggested daily caloric intake and other information. Local health departments would enforce the law, with the authority to impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 for non-compliance

History:

Chamber Position: Oppose

Position Summary:Requiring this information on menu boards is onerous, costly, and confusing to consumers. Furthermore, there is no consistency in determining the restaurant groups that are included or excluded. The legislation is singling out chain restaurants and will force many Maryland businesses to waste scarce resources and create another unnecessary financial burden that in this economy is inappropriate.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.