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NYC Rolls Out First U.S. Sugar Warning Icons on Chain Restaurant Menus

An NIH-backed receipts study will test whether the new labels change orders before $200 fines start next year.

Overview

  • The triangle-with-spoon symbol flags menu items with 50 grams or more of added sugars, aligning with the federal daily limit.
  • The rule covers chains with at least 15 locations, reaching roughly 4,000 outlets citywide, and requires in-store notices about sugar-related health risks.
  • Early checks found the icon on some qualifying drinks and combos but missing on others, and many customers said they did not notice it.
  • Coverage is limited to prepackaged items or equivalents like fountain soda, leaving many made-to-order shakes and desserts unlabeled.
  • Researchers led by NYU’s Pasquale Rummo will analyze receipts to measure behavior changes as enforcement moves to $200 penalties next year.