*image from Center For Science in the Public Interest

With a national standard for menu labeling and supporting legislation up in the air due to the uncertainty surrounding the status of the health reform bill, several local jurisdictions are forging ahead with previously enacted legislation of their own.

For example, Philadelphia is requiring that nutrition information be disclosed on menu boards, and is fining chain restaurants $150 for violations of the city’s new menu law that requires caloric content be posted. Additionally, by April 1st, Philadelphia will require that menus disclose information on saturated fat, trans fat, carbohydrates, and sodium. Other states and jurisdictions have enacted similar menu labeling ordinances, including New York City, Maine, Massachusetts, Nashville, TN, Oregon, and Maryland.

Needless to say, we’re hoping that the federal standards will be implemented before more states and localities are forced to launch countless varieties of requirements. In the meantime, the patchwork of local menu labeling standards doesn’t have to slow down marketing processes. Just as POP, menu boards, take-out menus, and brochures can all be tailored to the respective restaurant’s unique needs (including products offered, pricing, location information, and physical layout), so can required nutritional information.

I’d like to hear from you: how is your brand or organization handling the challenges of menu labeling and nutrition compliance?