House backs bill to ease calorie labeling requirements

WASHINGTON – The House has approved legislation to give supermarkets, fast-food chains and other food establishments some relief from government calorie labeling rules.

The vote was 266-144. The legislation goes now to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.

Republicans say the calorie labeling rules set to go into effect this year are too burdensome, and they have sought to ease them and lessen potential financial penalties for businesses that have to comply.

Many restaurants and food retail outlets like grocery stores will have to post the calorie labels by December.

The FDA rules will make restaurants and other places that sell prepared foods and have 20 or more locations to post the calorie content of food “clearly and conspicuously” on their menus, menu boards and displays.