Menu labeling and Nutrition Facts labeling are both governed by the FDA but their regulations fall under different acts. While there are some similarities between the two types of labeling they vary in what nutrition information is required and how it is displayed. Menu Labeling was established under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 is based on the “old” 1990 retail labeling criteria, which does not include nutrients such as added sugars. Retail labeling is governed by the Nutrition ... Full Article
PROPOSED Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling
On January 16, 2025, the FDA issued a proposed rule requiring a front-of-package nutrition label on most packaged foods. This "Nutrition Info" box is designed to provide consumers with quick, at-a-glance information on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. The current federal dietary recommendations advise consumers to limit these three nutrients to achieve a nutrient-dense diet within calorie limits. The proposal includes a compliance timeline of three years after the final rule's effective ... Full Article
“Healthy” Nutrient Content Claim Update
In December, the FDA issued a final rule updating the "healthy" nutrient content claim with an effective date of February 25, 2025. However, they recently postponed the effective date for the final rule until April 28, 2025, with a compliance date of February 25, 2028. The delay in the effective date follows President Trump’s memorandum, which requires agencies to consider postponing the effective date of published rules not yet in effect for 60 days to allow further factual, legal, and policy ... Full Article
Red No. 3 Banned
Red dye No. 3 (a.k.a., erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red 3, and Red 3) has been banned by the FDA for use in food due to its potential carcinogenic effects observed in animal studies. Manufacturers have until January 15, 2027, to remove it from their products. You can find more details on fda.gov. ... Full Article
FDA Restaurant Menu Labeling Rounding Rules
As part of the restaurant menu labeling regulations the FDA requires restaurants to round calories on menus and menu boards and round the nutrients required in the written nutrition information. At On The Menu, we provide our clients with rounded data that is compliant with the FDA rounding rules. However, it may be helpful to understand the rounding rules. When it comes to rounding rules, one of the most common questions we get is, “Why is the data inaccurate when I apply the common rule to ... Full Article
