Maryland menu-labeling proposal decriedMaryland menu-labeling proposal decried

Paul Frumkin

ROCKVILLE Md. Officials of the Restaurant Association of Maryland have told Montgomery County Council members here that they oppose the passage of menu-labeling regulations at the state, county or local level in favor of more encompassing federal legislation.

The County Council is weighing a measure that would require restaurants with 20 or more outlets nationwide to post nutrition information on their menus and menu boards. The bill was originally introduced in 2007 by council member George Leventhal, D-at large, but had been put on the backburner.

Originally written to encompass restaurants with 10 or more locations, the bill was rewritten to mirror current federal legislation under consideration.

Melvin Thompson, RAM's senior vice president of government affairs, said the restaurant association is meeting with each member of the council.

"We're trying to update them on where we stand," he said. "We believe this issue is better handled at the federal level, and would resist any efforts to pass it at the local level."

In a position statement sent to council members, RAM said it "strongly" supports bipartisan federal legislation "that reflects a negotiated compromise between representatives from both sides of this debate." Provisions reflecting the compromise bill have been attached to both the House and Senate versions of the health care reform bills.

"We don't believe there is a need to rush menu-labeling legislation through [in Montgomery County] without first allowing Congress to act on the issue," Thompson said.

The full council is expected to vote on the bill Nov. 17.

Contact Paul Frumkin at [email protected].