Menu Labeling Requirements: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if your restaurant must provide calorie counts on menus and the steps required to meet these federal labeling standards.
This regulation requires certain food service establishments to include calorie counts on their menus to help customers make informed nutritional choices.
Who it's for
This requirement specifically applies to restaurants that have 20 or more locations. If you run a smaller business, you should check your local rules to see if they have additional requirements for you.
What you get
By following these rules, your business achieves standardized calorie disclosure compliance. This means your menu meets the official federal standards for nutritional information.
What it costs you
Meeting these requirements requires time and effort to perform a full analysis of your menu items. You will also need to update your physical or digital menus to reflect these findings.
The catch to know
Many small business owners mistakenly believe these rules apply to everyone; however, the federal mandate does not apply to independent, single-location cafes.
How to apply
- Determine if your business meets the location threshold.
- Conduct a nutritional analysis of all menu items.
- Update your menus to include the required calorie counts.
- Consult with a local food safety expert if you are unsure of your specific requirements.