2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103793D

HOUSE BILL NO. 695

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 35.1-14.01, relating to restaurants; sodium warning label required; civil penalty.

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Patron—Hayes

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Referred to Committee on General Laws

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 35.1-14.01 as follows:

§ 35.1-14.01. Restaurants; sodium warning label required; civil penalty.

A. All restaurants licensed pursuant to this title that operate three or more locations within the Commonwealth and provide a menu to its customers shall include in a conspicuous manner a sodium warning label next to or directly under each high sodium menu item.

For the purpose of this section, a high sodium menu item is any menu item containing 2,300 milligrams (mg) or more of sodium. Each menu item that provides for variations containing fewer than 2,300 mg of sodium is a high sodium menu item if any variation contains 2,300 mg or more of sodium. Electronic menus that allow for customization of items may display the sodium warning label dynamically when the consumer makes a choice that increases the sodium content of the menu item to 2,300 mg or more of sodium. Menu items intended for sharing that consist of more than one discrete serving require a sodium warning label only if each discrete serving contains 2,300 mg or more of sodium.

B. The sodium warning label required under subsection A shall display the following language in a clear, legible, and conspicuous format: "Sodium content higher than daily recommended limit (2,300 mg). High sodium intake can increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke."

C. Notwithstanding § 35.1-107, restaurants that fail to comply with the requirements of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $500 per violation. Civil penalties under this section shall be assessed by the Department and paid to the Literary Fund.