Bill > S2977

This bill requires that children's meals and beverages served in chain restaurants, defined as establishments with 20 or more locations under the same name, must meet specific nutritional standards to combat rising childhood obesity rates. These standards mandate that children's meals, which are food items sold together primarily for children, must contain no more than 550 calories, 700 milligrams of sodium, and 15 grams of added sugar, while also limiting saturated and trans fats and requiring at least half a cup of fruits or vegetables along with a whole grain, lean protein, or dairy option. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the default beverage offered with children's meals must be water, milk, or 100% fruit/vegetable juice within specified serving sizes, though substitutions are allowed upon customer request. Restaurants will be required to display nutritional information for children's meals, and enforcement will be handled by health departments with penalties ranging from warnings to civil fines for violations.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2977