*Update to Post* New compliance date: May 7, 2018.

The FDA has extended the compliance date for menu labeling requirements from May 5, 2017 to May 7, 2018.

*Update to Post*

The menu labeling regulation was set to go into effect on May 5, 2017, however the FDA pushed back the deadline for menu labeling on May 2, 2017. The new deadline has not been announced.


Ready or Not...

The FDA will begin enforcing FDA menu labeling laws on May 5, 2017, so if you haven’t updated your menus and menu boards, it’s time to start. Restaurants who don’t meet menu labeling guidelines could face criminal penalties for menu violations.

What are the FDA Menu Labeling Requirements?

The menu labeling requirement was part of the health care law President Obama signed into law in 2010. The FDA is requiring chain restaurants to list calorie information for standard menu items and a succinct statement about suggested daily caloric intake on menus and menu boards.

Additionally, other nutrient information like total calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, fiber, sugars and protein will need to be made available in writing upon request.

Who will this affect?

The change will affect restaurants and similar food establishments who meet all three criteria below:

  • Part of a chain of 20 or more locations,
  • Doing business under the same name,
  • Offering for sale substantially the same menu items.

What will I need to change?

If you meet the criteria above, you will have to update all of the following with calorie counts and additional nutrient information:

  1. Menus
  2. Menu boards
  3. Catering menus
  4. Kids’ menus
  5. Digital menus
  6. To-go menus
  7. Nutrition information documents

Still have questions? You can contact the FDA about the menu-labeling requirement at CalorieLabeling@fda.hhs.gov.

We can help!

If you need help meeting FDA menu laws, talk to us about our custom print and Brand Fulfillment capabilities. We’re experts at large restaurant chain rollouts and can help you print, pack and ship all the updated menus and nutritional documents to all of your store locations, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Contact us at 800-642-3687 or email sales@dotit.com to learn more.

Additional Resources

Read up on FDA regulations for the menu labeling requirement.

Tell us about your menu woes! Contact us at 800-642-3687 or email sales@dotit.com to see how we can help.