Council Member Phil Mendelson wants diners to have the option of being more aware of what they’re eating when they visit chain restaurants in the District.
Mendelson, D-at large, introduced legislation Tuesday that requires restaurants located in the District that have at least 10 locations nationally to disclose nutritional information, including calories, sodium, saturated and trans fats, and carbohydrates.
Mendelson’s bill comes just months after New York City banned its 20,000 restaurants from serving trans fats, creating a small national movement. New York’s action has endured criticism from some people who have questioned whether a government should regulate how and what Americans eat.
Mendelson’s bill, called the Menu Labeling and Education Act, requires restaurants that use standard menus to provide nutritional information next to meal choices. Restaurants that use menu boards, which typically include fast-food establishments, would have to post the total calories per serving in an item and make other nutritional information available upon request.
Council Member Marion Barry, D-Ward 8, is co-sponsoring the bill. Council Member Mary Cheh, D-Ward 3, also had agreed to co-sponsor the bill but changed her mind at the last moment.
Mendelson introduced a similar bill in 2005 that failed.
It is not clear how many restaurants Mendelson’s bill would affect, but some popular downtown lunch establishments and cafes, including Au Bon Pain andStarbucks, would be covered.
The National Restaurant Association, which lobbies on behalf of the industry, will likely oppose the bill.
The Examiner could not reach a spokesman with the organization Tuesday.
Mendelson said the intent of the bill is to raise awareness.
