FDA to Give Restaurants More Time to Post Nutrition and Calorie Info

Back in March, a law was passed that stated restaurants across the country would be forced to clearly post nutritional information and calorie counts on their menus, giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration until March 2011 to enforce these changes. Yesterday, however, the FDA announced that it planned to give companies a longer period of time to meet the new guidelines.

Just how much longer? As of now, it's unspecified, but the FDA is seeking public opinion to determine how much time it should allow before enforcement.

Granted, making these changes will be a significant undertaking for the affected companies, which include restaurants with 20 or more outlets. Critics are concerned about the large operating cost involved in bringing the new guidelines to fruition, particularly if there are varying state and local laws to consider, Reuters reported. However, it obviously can be done -- just look at Subway, which has posted calorie counts for years, and Panera Bread Co., which has begun adding that information to its menu boards.

What do you think? How long should the FDA wait before enforcing the laws that go into effect next March? Many companies will wait until there are penalties and fines included before making a move -- should they get extra time for dragging their feet? Or should the FDA keep a strict, early deadline and hold everyone accountable?

Judging by your answers here, we're guessing you want those calorie counts posted now.