NYC To Move Ahead With Salt Warning Labels After Judge Denies Injunction
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Manhattan judge has denied a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit against the city's new salt labeling requirements for some restaurants.
Officials from the New York City Department of Health appeared in court Wednesday to defend the measure requiring restaurants to place high sodium level warnings on their menus.
The law, which was approved in New York City in December 2015, requires restaurants to place a salt shaker logo next to items that top the recommended daily limit of 2,300 milligrams of sodium — about a teaspoon. The Board of Health approved the new warning in September of last year. It was the first measure of its kind to be established in the United States.
The law applies to restaurant chains with more than 15 restaurants.
The National Restaurant Association filed a lawsuit against the city just several days after the measure was approved, claiming the board overstepped their legal boundaries while the federal government worked to establish a nationwide standard.
The city will begin enforcing the rule on March 1. The National Restaurant Association said it plans to appeal the ruling, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported.
"It's more likely to confuse consumers and cause them to make less healthy choices," said National Restaurant Association attorney Preston Ricardo.
Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said the labels are important because New Yorkers are consuming too much salt.
"A New York City adult consumes 40 percent -- on average -- more than the recommended daily limit of 2,300 milligrams," she said.
Dr. Basset said she was confident all along that the judge would side with the city, WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported.
"Of course it's wonderful to be affirmed in that confidence and we're really pleased with today's decision," she said.
Restaurants can be fined up to $600 for failing to post the salt shakers once the rule goes into effect.
New York City has also made efforts to banning trans fats from restaurant meals and force chain eateries to post calorie counts on menus. Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg also tried to limit the size of some sugary drinks, but the campaign was unsuccessful.
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