Sweet Truth Act: NYC Forces Restaurants to Warn Customers About Excessive Sugar in Menu

Over the years, chain restaurants have been subject to several ordinances enforced by the government of New York City, such as the act on calorie counts in 2008. Recently, they passed a law that mandates restaurants to warn consumers about excessive sugar in their menus, which is the extension of the 'Sweet Truth Act.' But why would they want to enforce this rule in the first place?

Enforcement of the Sweet Truth Act

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According to the New York City Council, taking in an excessive amount of sugar through food or drink can have several adverse effects on one's health, including an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, liver illness, and dental problems.

Thus, on Thursday, Nov. 2, New York City voted on legislation requiring chain restaurants with over 15 locations to show food products on menus or menu boards right next to food choices that exceed a defined level of added sugars, together with accurate warning phrases and added 'sugar icons.'

This new legislation is an extension of the 'Sweet Truth Act,' which was approved by the Council in 2021 and mandates that all packaged foods sold at this particular group of restaurants must bear the same labels, which indicate the amount of added sugars that exceed a specified standard. In addition, on Friday, Nov. 17, this act was officially signed into law by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that the maximum amount of sugar that should be consumed in a single day is 50 grams. On the other hand, a study conducted in 2021 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest discovered that the majority of soda fountain beverages sold at chain restaurants contain more than the number of added sugars that are required for a day, with some large kinds including as much as 109 grams. The effort had been commended by Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the Commissioner of Health for the City of New York, who stated that most chronic metabolic and cardiometabolic problems are not caused by your DNA but rather by your food.

Initially, only items readily available in prepackaged form within or outside the establishment, such as beverages, are required to add 'sugar icons.' This provision reportedly appears to be designed to provide immediate information regarding the amount of sugar contained in various products. Under the legislation, a fine of $200 will be imposed on restaurants if they fail to follow the rules.

Similar Health-Related Legislation Enforced by the Government

On Jan. 22, 2008, the NYC Board of Health authorized a new version of a rule requiring fast-food restaurants to show calorie counts on their menus. In response to a judge's decision to dismiss the city's initial attempt in 2007, the regulation, which will go into effect on Mar. 31, 2008, underwent minor revisions. As stated, any chain operating at least 15 distinct shops is subject to the new legislation, which includes chains that do not disclose any information on the number of calories in their products.

Furthermore, to reduce obesity, the Board of Health enacted the regulation. In 2006, the same board prohibited the use of trans fats, known to clog arteries, in restaurants in New York City, and in 2003, they also restricted smoking in bars and restaurants.