Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
New Calorie Count Rules Cause Confusion, Pushback
Politico: Margaritas, Grocers Caught Up In FDA Menu Rule
Big chain restaurants are on board: They pushed for a national standard to override a patchwork of state and local menu labeling rules. McDonald’s adopted its own nationwide labeling in 2012. But grocery store and convenience store chains, the likes of Whole Foods, Sheetz and 7-Eleven, are expected to put up a fight about slapping calories next to their kale salad, nachos and Big Gulps. Movie theaters and the alcohol industry are also expected to fiercely protest being included in the mandate. A year from now, the calorie counts will have to be posted on menus right next to food items ... The rules apply to chains if they have more than 20 locations. (Bottemiller Evich, 11/25)
The Washington Post: People Literally Have No Idea How Many Calories Are In Their Food
America is about to find out how many calories are in their favorite dishes and snacks — and it could be a pretty big wake-up call. After years of delay, the FDA on Tuesday approved sweeping new rules that will mandate calorie counts at many places where Americans eat out — chain restaurants, movie theaters, pizza joints, vending machines and more. ... The big news is that the FDA rules are more comprehensive than expected, given the strong industry pushback since the menu labeling provision was included in the 2010 health-care law. (Millman, 11/25)
