The Menu Education And Labeling (MEAL) Act, federal legislation sponsored by Senator Harkin (D-IA) and Congresswoman Delauro (D-CT) that requires restaurants to provide nutritional information, was recently passed and signed into law by President Barack Obama as part of health reform. While a provision in the health reform bill that has received little media attention, AHA has long advocated for passage of this bill, and the new law represents a victory for the Association.
The law will require restaurants or similar food establishments that are part of a chain (with 20 or more locations with the same name) to make caloric information visible before the purchase decision is made. Specifically, calories must be posted both in menus or menu boards, as appropriate, and other nutritional information must be available upon request. Restaurants are further required to include a “succinct statement” concerning suggested daily caloric intake as specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Lastly, the law also covers vending machines, requiring operators owning 20 or more machines to post calorie information.
Menu labeling is an important step in the fight against the obesity epidemic. By including caloric information at the point-of purchase, we are able to educate and influence customers as they make their food choices. Evidence shows that consumers, armed with the right nutrition information, will make healthier choices when they are eating out.

AHA has also worked for many years to pass strong menu labeling legislation in states and communities across the country as well. Indeed, the passage of the MEAL Act would likely not have happened without the momentum created by state staff working on advocacy campaigns around the country, and its passage is in large part a culmination of their efforts.