NJ A2082

Restaurant chains with 20 or more locations nationally must display a warning icon (black and white equilateral triangle) next to menu items containing 2,300 mg or more of sodium, which is the total daily recommended limit

A posted statement at the point of purchase must explain that the icon indicates high sodium content and warn that high sodium intake may increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke

Violations carry penalties of $50-$100 for the first offense and $250-$500 for subsequent offenses, enforceable through municipal courts by the Commissioner of Health or local boards of health

No private right of action exists against restaurant proprietors for non-compliance, and the law preempts all county and municipal ordinances regarding sodium content warnings

The law takes effect 13 months after enactment to allow the Commissioner of Health time to adopt implementing rules and regulations