The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it is inviting public comment and information to implement the Affordable Care Act provision that requires public posting of nutrition information on menu items for chain restaurants, certain retail food operations and vending machines.

The federal requirements may also apply to such venues as coffee shops, delis, movie theaters, bakeries, ice cream shops and vending machines. Chain restaurants, one of the primary venues for the law, are defined as those with 20 or more locations that offer substantially the same menu items. Nutrition information will be posted on menu boards, including drive-in menus.

The nutrition information focuses on calorie content, but other information including total calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber and total protein must be made available in writing on request.

The FDA is asking members of the food industry, state and local governments, consumers and other interested parties to offer comments and suggestions about menu labeling. The docket number for comments is FDA-2010-N-0298. Comments can be submitted through www.regulations.gov. The docket will be open for 60 days from July 7, 2010. Comments may also be submitted by mail to: The Division of Dockets Management, HFA-305, Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.

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