Consumers are savvier with their food these days. Long gone are the days where the chef could go, ‘just eat, you’ll be fine,’ and the patrons were forced to accept that as the answer. Now we need ingredient lists and nutritional information. The FDA just passed new menu labeling requirements which might affect your establishment.
Who’s affected by the regulations?
If you’ve got 20 or more locations that operate under the same name with the same menu, then you’re affected. If you’re a small restaurant, say, a mom and pop restaurant, you’re able to voluntarily comply. This also applies to convenience store foods.
What do you need to do?
There are four things which need to be done: (quoted directly from this article in Restaurant.org):
- Display calories clearly and prominently on menus, menu boards and drive-thru displays for standard menu items. Calorie information must be displayed on signs near menu items in the case of self-service, buffet and cafeteria lines.
- Make other nutrition information available in writing on request. Additional information includes data on calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber and protein.
- Include a menu notice advising guests that further written nutrition data is available on request for standard menu items.
- Include a succinct statement on the menu advising guests how calories fit into a recommended daily diet.
For more information regarding compliance and which menu items are covered, take a look at the NRA’s take on these regulations at Restaurant.org.
