Consider the Source: Nutritional Information Required for FDA Menu Labeling Compliance Must Begin with Reliable Data

Consumer demand for more information about the foods we eat is fueling changes in the foodservice industry, and new menu labeling requirements will help to bring some of that information to restaurant customers. With the regulatory deadline fast approaching, that leaves operators with a lot of work to do, and time is running short.

Beginning May 5, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will require chain restaurants and food retail establishments to provide calorie and other nutritional information to consumers. Calories for each menu item must be listed on all menus and additional written nutrition information must be made available to consumers upon their request – including calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, and protein.

This mandate applies to restaurant chains with 20 or more locations, doing business under the same name, serving the same menu items. The rule will apply to everything from an…