Some NYC Chain Restaurants Begin Posting Salt Warning Labels On Menus

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Hundreds of New York City chain eateries, including Applebee's and Subway, have begun posting city-mandated warning labels on their menus to flag items that contain high levels of salt.

Getting diners to pay attention to the logos, though, may not be easy.

Customers interviewed by The Associated Press Tuesday at several city restaurants said the labels were unlikely to change what they ordered.

They said that as long as they don't have health problems now, they don't plan to cut back on salty food.

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 went to court to challenge fines of up to $600 for eateries that don't post the warnings, as required.

But 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 last month.

The fines were supposed to kick in Tuesday, but were delayed by the court action.

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