Restaurants and similar food establishments covered under the FDA menu labeling legislation are required to post calories on their menus. Alcoholic beverages listed on a menu must also declare calories. However, there are some exemptions to keep in mind. Alcoholic drinks offered by your establishment but not listed on a menu, such as bottles of alcohol on display that are not self-serve and used for rail or mixed drinks, are exempt from menu labeling. For example, if a customer orders a gin ... Full Article
FDA Food Safety and Nutrition Survey (FSANS) Results
Results from the FDA Food Safety and Nutrition Survey (FSANA) have been released. The survey assesses consumers' understanding of topics concerning food safety and nutrition. The survey findings help inform and shape decision-making to promote and protect public health. Here are some key findings that relate to nutrition analysis: Eighty-seven percent of respondents have looked at the Nutrition Facts label. In addition to watching calories, consumers also look for total sugar, sodium and ... Full Article
Menu Labeling and Added Sugar
If you are familiar with the new Nutrition Facts label format established in 2016 it has a few changes from the old label, including the addition of "added sugar." We have received inquiries from restaurants wondering if they are required to provide information on added sugar under the menu labeling laws. Restaurants are not required to present those nutrients, including added sugar, that are on the new label that were not present on the old label. The final rule for restaurant menu labeling ... Full Article
FDA Gives Menu Nutrition Labeling Relief During COVID-19
The FDA has issued a temporary policy regarding nutrition labeling of standard menu items. Chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments are receiving leniency in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. The FDA is providing flexibility on menu labeling requirements covered under section 403(q)(5)(H) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FDA encourages establishments that are covered to ... Full Article
