The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finalized two rules that will require calorie information to be listed on menu boards at chain restaurants and in vending machines with 20 or more locations.
The new rules are part of an effort to help people become more informed about what they are eating outside of their homes and are required by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
"Americans eat and drink about one-third of their calories away from home and people today expect clear information about the products they consume," said FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg. "Making calorie information available on chain restaurant menus and vending machines is an important step for public health that will help consumers make informed choices for themselves and their families."
The rules will require the included restaurants to "clearly and conspicuously" display calorie information next to the items on the board. Seasonal menu items, daily specials, and condiments will be exempt from these rules.
The FDA considered more than 1,100 comments from stakeholders and consumers in order to develop these new rules and adjusted the rules to accommodate foods with multiple servings, such as pizza. These types of food will be labeled by the slice instead of the entire pie.
The new labeling rules will also apply to certain alcoholic beverages in covered food establishments, but they will also provide flexibility in how the restaurant meets these provisions. Movie theaters, amusement parks, and other similar establishments,are covered under the rules as well, and all of these establishments will have one year to comply with the rules.
The establishments will be required to display the statement "2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary." They must also be able to provide information on "total calories, total fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, fiber, sugars and protein," upon consumer request.
The vending machine final rule will require operators who own 20 or more vending machines to disclose calorie information. Operators will have two years to comply with the rules.
