A House subcommittee has voted to advance legislation to aid in c-stores’ efforts to comply with new menu-labeling laws.
The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee has voted to advance menu-labeling legislation that would make it possible for c-store owners to comply. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) praised the subcommittee because this legislation would result in providing consumers with greater access to nutrition information and more choices.
House of Representatives 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015, introduced by Reps. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wa.) and Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.), passed the subcommittee by voice vote and now moves to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“We commend the subcommittee and its leadership for recognizing that convenience stores need some flexibility in addressing and complying with menu-labeling regulations and this legislation codifies a less burdensome approach,” said Lyle Beckwith, NACS senior vice president of government relations. “It will also allow for FDA to meet the objectives of the menu-labeling law without unnecessarily burdening retailers and confusing customers.”
Foodservice has become an increasingly important element of convenience store operations and constitutes $42 billion in sales, or 19% of total in-store sales dollars. Convenience stores not only offer consumers the fuel they need for their vehicles, but also prepared foods, beverages and other immediate consumable products that meet customer demand for speed of service, and healthier food options to-go. Many convenience stores offer their foodservice program or partner with other chains.
NACS has also been actively engaged with FDA during the regulatory process, ensuring that the agency understands the convenience store industry’s unique perspective on federal nutrition disclosure obligations.