Rep. Waxman Statement on McDonald’s Announcement on Nutrition Labeling

“This is a great development for consumers.  I commend McDonald’s for taking this important step forward to provide calorie information about its food and beverages.  Accurate information helps consumers make informed choices for their diets.  And it is especially important in our battle against the nation’s growing epidemic of childhood obesity.  Other companies should follow McDonald’s lead and make nutrition information available to their customers.”

Rep. Waxman is one of the principal authors of the Affordable Care Act, which requires restaurants with 20 or more locations to list calorie content information for standard menu items on restaurant menus and menu boards, including drive-through menu boards.  Other nutritional information, such as cholesterol, sodium, fiber, etc., would have to be made available in writing upon request.  Currently, HHS is finalizing regulations related to restaurant calorie disclosure.  In addition, Rep. Waxman was the author of the Nutritional Labeling and Education Act of 1990, which required the consumer-friendly nutrition labeling now found on packaged food.