New York City gets salty on salt content

A New York City appeals court has ruled that the city can enforce a requirement that chain restaurants must post warnings on menu items high in sodium content.

The Appellate Division, First Department lifted a temporary order issued in February that prohibited the enforcement of the rule, according to FOX News Health. The rule would require restaurant chains with 15 or more locations nationwide to post a special symbol of a salt shaker in a black triangle next to menu items with more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium.

City inspectors could fine restaurants $200 for not posting the symbol, printing it too small or not posting an additional statement explaining the new rule, Newsday reports. 

“Too much sodium could lead to detrimental health problems, like high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke,” New York Mayor Bill deBlasio said in a statement. “Allowing enforcement of a common sense regulation … will help New Yorkers make better decisions and lead healthier lives.”

The National Restaurant Association opposes the new rule, according to New York Daily News. It says that the Board of Health had to get City Council approval first before being granted the power to act. 

“We would hope that the NYC Department of Health voluntarily delays enforcement pending a hearing and determination of our appeal later this year. We look forward to a full and fair opportunity to make our case on behalf of NYC restaurants,” the National Restaurant Association said in a statement.

Bloomberg reports that the case is National Restaurant Association v. New York City Department of Health, 654024/2015, New York State Supreme Court, New York County (Manhattan.) Reuters reports that the enforcement would begin on June 6.

_____________

_{To get connected and stay up-to-date with similar content from American City & County:
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube}