May 7, 2018 is the compliance date for the menu labeling final rule. On this date, consumers will have access to calorie and nutrition information in certain chain establishments covered by the rule. The menu labeling requirements apply to restaurants and similar retail food establishments that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations. In addition, they must be doing business under the same name and offering for sale substantially the same menu items.
Covered establishments must disclose the number of calories contained in standard items on menus and menu boards. For self-service foods and foods on display, calories must be listed in close proximity and clearly associated with the standard menu item. Businesses must also provide, upon request, the following written nutrition information for standard menu items: total calories; total fat; saturated fat; trans fat; cholesterol; sodium; total carbohydrates; sugars; fiber; and protein. In addition, two statements must be displayed—one indicating this written information is available upon request, and the other about daily calorie intake, indicating that 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary.
FDA has issued a final supplemental guidance for industry that addresses public and stakeholder comments and expands upon the draft version issued in November 2017 by providing further clarity on the FDA's practical and flexible approach to several components of the final rule.
During the first year of implementation, the FDA will work cooperatively with covered establishments to achieve high levels of compliance with the menu labeling requirements.
Final Rule Information
Menu Labeling Final Rule: Food Labeling; Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments (published December 1, 2014) - Applies to restaurants and similar retail food establishments if they are part of a chain of 20 or more locations, doing business under the same name, offering for sale substantially the same menu items and offering for sale restaurant-type foods.
Industry Resources
- PowerPoint Presentation on Menu Labeling
- Menu Labeling Key Facts for Industry: General Information
- Menu Labeling Key Facts for Industry: Declaring Calories
- Guidance for Industry: Menu Labeling Supplemental Guidance
- Draft Edition 2 of Menu Labeling Supplemental Guidance
How to Contact FDA
General Questions
The FDA menu labeling regulations require certain restaurants and similar retail food establishments to provide calorie and nutrition information for standard menu items.
If you have general questions related to the menu labeling requirements or would like more information on what covered establishments are required to provide to consumers, please send your questions to calorielabeling@fda.hhs.gov
Complaints or Concerns
During the first year, FDA plans to work cooperatively with covered establishments. We will focus on educational outreach to help them come into compliance with the menu labeling requirements.
If you wish to report a complaint related to a covered establishment that you believe is not compliant with the menu labeling requirements, you can send an email to FDA's menu labeling complaints mailbox.
In your email please provide us with the following information:
- Your name and email address
- Name of the Establishment
- Location of the Establishment (street address, city and state)
- Detailed reason for your complaint (please attach any relevant photos that will support your submission)
Consumer input and/or complaints on menu labeling will assist the FDA to determine trends and identify issues that can guide our education and outreach efforts to help establishments come into compliance.
Your email will be reviewed and handled as appropriate by a member of our Menu Labeling Team. A team member will contact you if additional information is required to fully review your complaint.
Consumer Resources
Docket Folder
Dockets provide information on the development of Federal regulations and other related documents issued by the U.S. government. You will find comments submitted for each final rule in the docket folders.
