The New York City Health Dept.’s sodium warning requirement goes into effect Dec. 1. Foodservice establishments in New York City that are part of chains with 15 or more locations nationwide will be required to post icons next to items with 2,300 mg or more of sodium—the total recommended daily limit. This will include combo items, such as an order-by-number meal that might include a soup and a sandwich or a burger and french fries.
The rule also requires chain foodservice establishments to post a warning statement where customers place their orders. The statement explains that items with the icon have more than the recommended daily limit of sodium and that high sodium intake can increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke. New York City is the first city in the United States to require chain restaurants to post warning labels next to menu items that contain high levels of sodium. Chains with 15 or more locations have 90 days to comply with the new rule before the possibility of receiving a fine. The proposal was passed unanimously on Sept. 9, 2015, by the New York City Board of Health.
“The vast majority of adults in New York City consume more sodium than recommended, and too few understand the link between high sodium intake and hypertension, heart disease, and stroke,” said Mary Bassett, New York City health commissioner. “These warnings are needed in restaurants because the majority of sodium in our diet is not coming from what we decide to add with the salt shaker at the table, it’s already in the food when we buy it. These icons will help New Yorkers make more informed choices when dining out.”
When the proposal passed in September, the National Restaurant Assoc. (NRA) released the following comment: “The restaurant industry is committed to developing and offering lower-sodium options for customers. As an association, we advocated for a national menu-labeling standard; however, we are concerned that local mandates like the New York City Board of Health’s approach are overly onerous and place an undue burden on New York’s restaurants that are working to comply with the federal law.”
