By NACS Government Relations
Earlier this month Congresswoman Cathy McCmorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) re-introduced the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act in their respective chambers. Mrs. McMorris Rodgers was joined this time by Congressman Tony Cardenas as the lead democrat sponsor along with more than 30 other bipartisan original co-sponsors. On the Senate side Mr. Blunt was again joined by Senator Angus King (I-ME) as his primary partner along with a bipartisan group of 5 Senators. The legislation is identical to the version that passed the House about one year ago.
The sponsors and supporters are hoping for quick action on the bill in the new Congress. The deadline for compliance with the current FDA rule is fast approaching. Retailers have only until May 5 of this year to begin complying with the overly burdensome caloric disclosure rule. That means that many in our industry and others have to begin spending money on preparations now, if they haven’t already. The sense of urgency is real and the sponsors understand that.
On a parallel track, NACS government relations staff and our industry and Congressional allies are working with officials in the new Trump Administration to push for a further delay in the compliance deadline in order to give Congress time to complete action on the legislation. Ideally, now that Dr. Tom Price has been sworn in as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services which oversees the FDA, we will see some action taken to delay this rule.
Until such a delay comes to fruition however, our advice is to continue to work towards being able to comply by May 5. If there is a further delay or prompt action on the legislation NACS will update you as soon as possible.
