New labeling regulations designed to help consumers make healthier choices
You’ll soon know how many calories are in that bag of pretzels or that package of cheese crackers you snagged from the cafeteria vending machine. As part of the Affordable Care Act, the Food and Drug Administration has new labeling regulations that require vending machine companies to display calorie counts alongside the cost for each item. It is hoped the action will help consumers make healthier snack choices.
Companies with 20 or more machines a year to comply with the new labeling rules, but an industry group that represents vending machine operators is arguing for a two-year deadline. The National Automatic Merchandising Association says complying with the law could prove expensive for small companies with few employees and low profit margins.
