NJ bill would require healthier kids’ meals at chains

The basics:

• S2977 would require chains with 20+ NJ locations to offer two kids’ meals meeting nutrition standards
• Requirements would cap meals at 550 calories, 700 mg sodium, 15 grams of added sugar
• Beverage options would default to water or non-fat milk
• Violations could carry fines up to $1,000 per offense, capped at $5,000 within 30 days

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a measure that would require restaurant chains to make kids’ meals healthier.

Under Senate Bill 2977, brands with more than 20 locations statewide must ensure at least two options on the children’s menu meet clear nutrition standards. The restrictions aim to reduce sugar fat and sodium.

According to the proposal, kids’ meals could not contain:

• More than 550 calories per serving
• 700 milligrams of sodium
• 15 grams of added sugar
• 10% of calories from saturated fat
• 0 grams of trans fat

It must also include fresh fruits or vegetables as well as a whole grain, lean protein or low-fat dairy option, the bill says. The legislation also requires restaurants make healthy beverages, such as water or non-fat milk, the default offering with kids’ meals.

The bill notes, parents and caregivers could still request substitutions for any item in the meal.

The proposal would also require chains using printed menus to clearly list nutritional content of children’s meals. The law would exempt from including specific menu requirements in printed menus if it makes the nutritional information available on company websites or mobile applications, according to the proposal.

Setting ‘science-based standards’

State Sens. Joe Vitale, D-19th District, and Angela McKnight, D-31st District, introduced S2977 Jan. 13.

After its referral to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, the bill was reported out Feb 9 with a 7-0 vote. It then moved to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The measure was initially introduced for the 2024–2025 legislative session. However, it failed to advance.

The state Assembly has yet to introduce a companion bill.

Commenting on the bill, Vitale said, “In New Jersey, nearly 1 in 3 children is overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk for serious health conditions both now and later in life. When families eat out, they should be able to trust that children’s meals are not undermining their kids’ health.”

“This bill sets reasonable, science-based standards that support parents, promote healthier choices, and help establish balanced lifelong eating habits for our children,” he said.

Wholesome approach

A recent analysis by the Center for Science in the Public Interest found that about 72% of kids’ meals at top U.S. restaurant chains fail to meet basic nutrition standards. The report said options were too high in calories, sodium, fat or sugar.

Industry data show that dining out remains common for many families due to convenience and cost. According to Business Insider, about 80% of parents said they order takeout or bring their kids out to eat at least once a week.

In recent years,  about two dozen cities and counties across the U.S. have implemented guidelines requiring eateries to offer healthier default beverages and at least one kids’ meal that meets nutrition standards.

Groups like the American Heart Association, National WIC Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have publicly recorded such policies.

Some bigger chains have responded to the policies and advocacy with a mix of menu changes and voluntary programs.

For instance, McDonald’s and Wendy’s replaced sugary drinks with water, milk or 100% juice as default options in many markets. And several brands, including Burger King, Chipotle Mexican Grill, First Watch and Subway, participate in initiatives such as the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program to highlight healthier options.

Still, research shows that sugary drinks and fried sides often remain available — unless customers specifically request alternatives. That means compliance and impact can vary widely across restaurants, according to an analysis by the Institute of Food Technologists.

Chain reaction

When asked for comment on the New Jersey proposal, Chipotle emphasized that it already offers healthy options at its 110 locations statewide.

In a statement to NJBIZ, Chipotle Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Laurie Schalow said, “Our menu of real ingredients makes it easy to follow dietary guidelines that prioritize high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains — while limiting highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.”

“Guests can build kid’s meals with responsibly sourced chicken, steak, braised beef barbacoa, carnitas or plant-based sofritas for protein; guacamole for heart‑healthy fats; fiber‑rich black or pinto beans; fresh fajita veggies and salsas; and brown rice for whole grains. With real food made from wholesome ingredients – without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives – Chipotle offers choices that fit a balanced, modern approach to eating,” Schalow said.

Chains with a large presence in New Jersey, such as Jersey Mike’s Subs, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Dunkin’, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the bill.

Brinker International (Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy), Yum! Brands (Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut) and Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Tim Hortons) also did not reply to media inquiries from NJBIZ.

Potential penalties

If the New Jersey State Legislature passes the bill and Gov. Mike Sherrill signs it into law, the state Department of Health or a local board of health would handle enforcement.

Restaurants that violate the act would receive a warning for the first offense. After, they face a fine of up to $500 for a second violation and up to $1,000 for each additional offense. Total fines against a restaurant owner or chain could not exceed $5,000 within a 30-day period.

Within three months of enactment, the NJDOH in consultation with the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association would be asked to prepare a fact sheet for chain restaurants and informational poster for customers on the policy.

Standard take

NJRHA Vice President of Public Affairs Amanda Stone told NJBIZ her organization “supports the goal of expanding healthy kids’ options, and many of our members are already doing this – voluntarily.”

“As the bill moves forward, it is important that any requirements remain practical and flexible so restaurants can continue serving families without added operational strain,” she said in a statement.

Stone went on to say, “We would love to see this be a voluntary program instead of another mandate on small businesses.”

“The bill is nearly identical to the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell program, which has been in place for more than a decade and is already widely used by national and regional restaurant brands,” she explained. “The program was developed in collaboration with nutrition and public health experts and provides clear, practical guidance around healthier kids’ meals without being overly prescriptive or burdensome for operators. Many chains already voluntarily follow these standards, which makes the program a proven and familiar approach for the industry.”

Stone noted that while no states have adopted Kids LiveWell as a statewide regulatory standard, the program “has informed policy discussions and bill drafting.” That includes legislation in California that Gov. Gavin Newsom ultimately vetoed last fall amid concerns it “regulates restaurants in a way that is unnecessary and overly burdensome.”