The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers
United States House of Representatives
203 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative McMorris Rodgers,
On behalf of the members of National Taxpayers Union (NTU), I write to express our support for H.R. 2017, the “Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015.” This legislation was drafted in response to the failings of a section of the President’s health care law, and is necessary to prevent many business owners from excessive, unnecessary compliance costs.
The FDA established a rigid 400 page, one-size-fits-all, final national disclosure requirement for grocery stores, restaurants and similar retail food establishments. This rule demands that these locations install at least one standard menu board displaying the price and calorie count of each individual item; for a single company that has hundreds of locations and a diverse selection of items, this regulation would cost well over $1 million. The FDA’s rule applies to chains, delivery services, or any franchise retailer selling non-packaged foods such as hot meals or a salad bar at a supermarket.
It is clear that this rule goes well beyond what Obamacare originally intended and will result in dramatic increases for small business in regulatory compliance spending. Many small-business franchises own one or two stores and operate independently from the corporate parent; however, these locations will still be subject to cumbersome and expensive regulatory compliance in order to avoid violations and potentially criminal prosecution. Consumers will also suffer fallout from these costly new rules as increased overhead is necessarily passed onto them through higher food prices and decreased selection. H.R. 2017 would provide real relief for tens of thousands of grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores through new guidelines and amended regulations, with which companies can reasonably comply.
NTU is pleased to endorse the “Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act,” and urges all Representatives to cosponsor this legislation.
Sincerely,
Nan Swift
Federal Affairs Manager