We are thrilled to announce that On The Menu is celebrating 20 years of business. For fun, we’d like to take you down memory lane and cover twenty years of nutrition and menu labeling. That takes us back to 2004. You’ll find a timeline for nutrition labeling and one for menu labeling. What a ride it’s been!
20 Years of Nutrition Labeling
2004: The Nutrition Facts label was still in its original form, first established in 1990 with the passing of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). Enactment of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires the declaration of the top eight most common food allergies.
2006: The Nutrition Facts label is updated to add trans fat. FALCPA becomes effective.
2016: Serving sizes, referred to as the Recommended Amount Customarily Consumed, were updated in 2016.
2020: Food packaging requires a new, updated Nutrition Facts label. Changes include a new line item for added sugars. Vitamin D and Potassium replace Vitamins A and C.
2021: The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act added sesame as the ninth major allergen.
2023: The FASTER becomes effective.
2024: On The Menu celebrates 20 years in business!
20 Years of Menu Labeling
2004: Introduction of the Menu Education and Labeling (MEAL) Act.
2006: New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene passed the first menu-labeling policy requiring calorie labeling on menus and menu boards at fast-food and chain restaurants. 2008: California becomes the first state to pass menu labeling laws. Over 20 states, counties, and cities pass menu labeling laws between 2006 and 2010.
2010: Congress passes a national menu labeling law affecting chain restaurants with 20 locations or more. This federal law will supersede state and local menu labeling laws.
2011: FDA issues proposed regulations for menu labeling law.
2014: FDA finalizes menu labeling regulations.
2015: FDA releases draft guidance for FDA menu labeling for implementation on December 1, 2016.
2017: Implementation is delayed and becomes effective on May 5, 2017.
2024: On The Menu celebrates 20 years in business!
