LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In a matter of months, you could be able to find out exactly what's in your meal when dining at a local restaurant.
A metro council committee made some changes to a proposal that would require some independent restaurants in Louisville to post nutritional information. They narrowed this proposed ordinance down. Now, as they review it again, they point out only a certain group of locally owned restaurants will be impacted.
Two years ago, the city used grant money for menu labeling at many local restaurants. Some council members want those who have the information, to post the nutritional facts.
Vicki Aubrey Welch co-sponsored the proposed ordinance. She says, "Since we've done all this work in our community, it would be available to the consumer as they come into the restaurants. It shouldn't be a burden on the restaurants, shouldn't be a burden on anyone, and it protects our citizens those who are interested."
Yang Kee Noodle was the first restaurant to sign up, and put the number of calories next to each item on their menu.
Owner Dan Huckestein says, "With each item, with each ingredient, we have lists of all the nutritional facts you can put together for whatever diet you might be on."
He says it works well at his restaurant, but the proposed ordinance comes with some concern.
Taco Punk opened its doors six months ago, and they're afraid the city will expand the law to those without grant money. Gabe Sowder, chef and owner, says, "Regulations like this I think are a very welcome thing, but when you start adding things like a thousand dollar menu board that isn't funded by that mandate then it can be very pricey and very costly to a restaurant."
But they all understand it's the wave of the future, and these restaurants will continue to keep a healthy menu in mind.
The committee is reviewing the ordinance this Wednesday and then it will head to metro council, where Welch says it's expected to pass. The law will go into effect 60 days after it's signed.
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