SILVER SPRING, MD — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the rules requiring chain restaurants, retail food establishments and vending machines to post calorie information on menus across the U.S.
“Americans eat and drink about one-third of their calories away from home, and people today expect clear information about the products they consume,” said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., FDA commissioner. “Making calorie information available is an important step for public health that will help consumers make informed choices for themselves and their families.”
The menu labelling rule applies to restaurants and retail food establishments with 20 or more locations. Food establishments will be required to clearly display calorie information for items next to the name or price. The rule also includes certain alcoholic beverages. Seasonal menu items, daily specials and condiments are mostly exempt from the labelling requirements.
Establishments are also required to provide written nutrition information about food items, including total fat, protein and sodium. Food establishments have one year to comply.
