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FDA temporarily relieves vending operators from calories disclosure rule during coronavirus pandemic

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April 16, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted temporary relief from calorie disclosure requirements during the current public health emergency in response to a request from the National Automatic Merchandising Association, according to a press release. Mike Goscinski, NAMA's director of federal and state affairs, sent the request to FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn.  

In the letter, Goscinski described the challenges facing operators while they work to keep essential locations stocked with the products; sometimes changing daily due to inventory and availability. 

"NAMA members keep machines and micro markets in hospitals, 911 dispatch centers, police stations, firehouses, truck stops and rest areas stocked with necessary sustenance to keep our essential response teams going at a time when social distancing is not only encouraged, but required to stop the spread of the virus," Goscinski said in the letter.

"We applaud FDA on its decision to temporarily relieve operators of the burden to disclose the calorie count of products during this challenging time and appreciate its willingness to work with the industry," said Goscinski. 

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting convenience services, click here.