NYC council bill seeks carb warnings in eateries

Legislation introduced yesterday at the New York City Council would require eateries to warn diners about foods that pose a diabetes risk.

Introduced by Councilwoman Inez Barron (D-Brooklyn), the bill would mean that restaurants with seating areas must post a sign explaining “the risks of excessive intake of sugars and other carbohydrates for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes.”

Failing to put up the poster, which would be required to be made available in different languages, could mean up to a $500 fine for violators.

Separately, New York City is in court fighting to require big-chain eateries to put warnings next to menu items that exceed the daily recommended sodium intake.

Asked about Barron’s legislation, a spokeswoman for the National Restaurant Association, Christin Fernandez said, “New York City has changed nanny state from a noun to a verb.”

“This is just another attempt to showcase misleading information that attempts to scare people about products that are perfectly safe in moderation and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle,” she said.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.