Following on its 2015 sodium warning regulation, New York City is considering a bill that would require chain restaurants to display a warning symbol and related text next to menu offerings that are high in added sugar.  “Added sugar” is defined as “sugars and syrups put into foods during preparation or processing.”

The bill, which was introduced this month, would require a graphic icon and a warning statement (explaining the consequences of excess added sugar consumption) to be provided for menu items that contain more than 12 grams of added sugars.  The bill gives the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene the authority to select the icon and the warning language, neither of which are specified in the bill.

If the legislation passes as drafted, restaurants part of a chain with 15 or more locations with the same name and offering substantially the same menu will be subject to the law, which includes civil penalty provisions.