Bill > HB1048

This bill requires chain restaurants, defined as food service facilities with 20 or more locations operating under the same name and offering similar menu items, and subject to federal labeling rules, to display warning icons next to menu items with high sodium content (1,150 milligrams or more per serving) or high added sugars content (25 grams or more per serving). The Maryland Department of Health must adopt regulations for these warning icons and accompanying text by January 1, 2027, and direct chain restaurants to its website for compliance information during that year. Beginning January 1, 2027, chain restaurants must also display a written notice informing customers that menu items may contain high sodium or sugar and that full nutritional information is available via QR code, online, or upon request, with penalties for violations ranging from $500 for a first offense to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.