Judge: NYC can fine chains that don't post salt warnings
NEW YORK (AP) — Large chain restaurants and fast-food eateries in the nation's most populous city can be fined up to $600 beginning next week for not posting salt warnings on menu items that contain more than the recommended daily dose of sodium, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Under the rule, restaurant owners must now post distinct triangle icons with salt-shaker images inside on menus next to items that top the recommended daily limit of 2,300 milligrams of sodium, about a teaspoon's worth.
Public health officials have long argued that Americans consume too much salt, and point to cheddar bacon burgers with nearly 4,300 mg and boneless Buffalo chicken salads with more than 3,000 mg as proof.
The salt-warning labels, initiated by current Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio, follow a string of public health initiatives championed by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, such as an attempt to ban oversized sugary drinks, restrict the use of trans fats in restaurants and prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants.