Week ahead: Panel takes on ObamaCare calorie count rules

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing Thursday on legislation challenging new menu labeling requirements from the Food and Drug Administration.

A controversial provision under ObamaCare requires restaurants and businesses that sell “restaurant-like food” — including grocery stores and movie theaters — to list the number of calories in foods they sell.

To address what critics say is a costly and burdensome regulation, Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) introduced legislation in April to exempt most non-restaurant businesses from having to comply with the rule, which is set to take effect Dec. 1.

{mosads}Under the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015, the new labeling requirements would only apply to companies that make more than 50 percent of their revenue from selling prepared foods.

The lawmakers say the bill aims to provide clarity and flexibility for small businesses.

Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade will meet Tuesday to get an update on the Takata airbag ruptures and recalls.

Also on the safety front, on Tuesday the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing to discuss the recent Amtrak accident in Philadelphia.

The House Science, Space and Technology Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday to discuss alleged regulatory overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency and the impacts it might have on American competitiveness.

Also on Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Environment and the Public Works will hold a hearing on the EPA’s ozone standards.

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