Congress Considers Extending Food Labeling Requirements Signs Would Be Posted Near Food Vending Machines Most vending operators would be required to post conspicuous signs near food items sold in machines under legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House.  The legislation, H.R. 3895 sponsored by Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), was introduced on October 18th and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The required signs would have to disclose the number of calories contained in the food items.  The requirement would cover people owning and operating 20 or more vending machines and would apply if purchasers of the food cannot read any nutrition statements already affixed to the product.  New labeling requirements would also apply to restaurants and other retail food establishments, such as cafeteria and buffet lines.  Restaurants, for example, would have to disclose in a clear and conspicuous manner the number of calories, grams of saturated fat plus trans fat, and milligrams of sodium contained in a standard serving of the food. Cosponsors of the measure include Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Betty McCollum (MN-4), Rahm Emanuel (IL-5), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-7), James P. McGovern (MA-3), George Miller (CA-7), Maurice Hinchey (NY-22), James P. Moran (VA-8), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-9), Zoe Lofgren (CA-16), Henry A. Waxman (CA-30), and Lynn C. Woolsey (CA-6). Members are encouraged to contact their Representatives and voice their concerns. We’ll keep you posted on the bill’s progress.  For information about contacting your House Member please visit http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml.  Contact NAMA if you have any questions.