|
To
whom
does the new federal requirement for restaurant
menu labeling apply?
The law applies to restaurants with 20+ locations
with the same name (regardless of ownership) that
offer "substantially the same" menu items. It also
applies to vending machine operators and "retail
food establishments" which may include food service
facilities in hospitals and schools, convenience
stores and mobile carts.
When is the
deadline for compliance?
FDA has until March 23, 2011, to issue a proposed
rule. A comment period will follow.
After the final rule is published, compliance is
likely to be within six months.
What do I have to do to comply?
Compliance will require that your printed menu or
menu board include:
-
Calorie disclosure next to "standard menu items"
in the same size and prominence as the price of
the menu item
-
A statement
about suggested daily caloric intake (i.e.,
2000 calories per day)
-
Notification
that other nutrition information is available on request
Does the same requirement apply to menu boards
(whether inside the restaurant or at the
drive-thru)?
Yes. Calories must also be disclosed on menu boards
for "standard menu items," along with the statement
about suggested daily caloric intake and
availability of additional nutrition information on
request.
How does the law define "standard menu items"?
Standard menu items are
offered for sale at least 60 days per calendar
year. Daily specials, custom orders and test market
items are exempt.
What other information will I have to make available
on request?
The additional nutrients specified in the law
include: calories, calories from fat, total fat,
saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates,
sugars, dietary fiber and protein. However, when FDA
publishes the final rule, the law allows the agency
to include additional required nutrients.
Specifically, trans fat will very likely be added to
the list.
Does the
requirement also include food allergens?
No, not at this time. Many restaurants choose
to provide information on the "Big 8" allergens
(milk, eggs, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, peanuts, tree
nuts, fish, shellfish) next to the nutrition
information in brochures and on websites for
consumer use.
How do I get the calorie counts and other nutrition
information for my menu items?
Based on our database nutrition analysis of your
recipe formulation or your 100-gram lab data, Food
Consulting Company prepares a Ready-to-Publish
Nutrition Guide for your menu with rounded values
for use in brochures, menus, and on the web.
How much will it cost?
Project fees vary depending on the number
and complexity of menu items. Contact Us to submit your menu for a quote.
Where can I access
the law that requires restaurant menu labeling?
This provision is
included in the Patient Protection and Affordable
Health Care Act ("healthcare reform"), Section 4205,
Page 455. You can access it
here.
How can I stay
informed on the specifics of the FDA regulations and
compliance requirements of the new law?
Subscribe to Food Label News, a free
monthly email publication by Food Consulting Company
on what matters in food labeling.
Can I get started right away?
Yes, please
Contact Us to submit your menu for a
quote. Special pricing is in effect for projects
initiated in 2010. Get started now and you’ll be
ahead of the curve! |