The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the long awaited regulations for calorie labeling on November 25, 2014. The two rules apply to specified eating establishments and vending machines (see Final Menu Labeling Regulations – Vending Machines.)
The basics:
Eating Establishments
Applies to restaurants and similar retail food operations with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name and offering substantially the same menu items
Does include:
- Coffee shops
- Restaurant-type foods in convenience and grocery stores
- Foods purchased at drive-through windows
- Take-out and delivery foods
- Food service at entertainment venues (such as movie theaters)
- Food service vendors (such as mall pretzel counters)
- Alcoholic beverages when listed on menus
Does not include:
- Foods that require further preparation (such as deli meats and cheeses)
- Food intended for more than one person (such as whole cakes)
- Food in transportation vehicles (such as food trucks, airplanes)
- Temporary/Seasonal menu items
- Daily specials
- Condiments for general use
- Bottles of liquor displayed at bars
- Food served at schools (through high school)
Date to comply by: December 1, 2015.
Information required:
Calories listed on menus and menu boards
Succinct Calorie Intake Statement “2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary”
Availability Statement “Additional nutrition information available upon request” – with specified nutrition information available
Source of nutrition information can include Nutrition Database, Laboratory Testing, Cookbooks and Manufacturer Information
Substantiation: Eating establishment must be able to provide FDA with substantiation of nutrition information upon request and have employee signed document verifying information
Final Rule: Food Labeling; Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments (105 pages) https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/12/01/2014-27833/food-labeling-nutrition-labeling-of-standard-menu-items-in-restaurants-and-similar-retail-food
Contact Nett Nutrition today to learn how we can support your company’s Menu Labeling efforts. 516.921.1514 or info@nettnutrition.com
