FDA Delays Implementation of Menu Calorie Count Rules

Jul 10, 2015 | Katie Regan

Implementation of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirement that chain restaurants, grocery stores, and other food establishments post calorie counts on menus has been delayed until Dec. 1, 2016—a year later than FDA initially intended, and two years after publication of the ruling.

The change is in response to the numerous requests FDA received from the food industry to both further interpret the rules and delay enforcement of the rules. Industry officials cited concerns over the need to develop software, information systems and other technologies that would ensure accurate labeling; available time to complete staff training and develop new standard operating procedures; and install and capacity to update menu boards across all locations.

A statement by FDA indicates the delay was approved to “ensure that consumers are provided accurate, clear, and consistent nutrition information for foods sold in covered establishments in a direct and accessible manner.” Covered establishments are defined as food establishments with more than 20 locations doing business under the same name; this includes most chain restaurants, vending machines, grocery stores, and coffee shops, among other establishments.

Public health agencies including NACCHO have championed the menu labeling rule as an important step in ensuring Americans have the information needed to make healthy and nutritious choices in their meal planning, as well as a a possible step toward encouraging restaurants to include a wider variety of healthy choices in their offerings.

In addition to the new compliance deadline, FDA announced that it will issue additional guidance addressing some of the most frequently asked questions about the menu labeling rule. This is estimated to be available late summer.


About Katie Regan

More posts by Katie Regan

Related Posts

Ps24 posters d3 web

Day Three Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

See highlights from day three of the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 27, 2024

Day Three Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

D2 highlights web

Day Two Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

See highlights from day two of the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 26, 2024

Day Two Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

I Stock 1182682774
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
  • Behavioral Health
  • Community Health
  • Injury and Violence Prevention

Seeking LHD Participants for an Intersectional Data...

With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NACCHO is...

Mar 26, 2024 | Camille Adams

Seeking LHD Participants for an Intersectional Data...

PS24 1

Day One Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

See highlights from day one of the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 25, 2024

Day One Highlights: 2024 Preparedness Summit

PS24 web
  • Tools & Resources
  • Training

Welcome to the 2024 Preparedness Summit!

Welcome to the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Mar 25, 2024 | Beth Hess

Welcome to the 2024 Preparedness Summit!

Stakeholder Conference Call on the FDA Integrated Food...

You’re invited to join the call on April 2 to hear more.

Mar 25, 2024

Stakeholder Conference Call on the FDA Integrated Food...

Cover and Spine for MAPP 2 0 Handbook Copy Page 1
  • Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP)
  • Performance Improvement
  • Workforce Development

Register to Attend a Mobilizing for Action through...

Registration is now open for NACCHO’s in-person Mobilizing for Action through...

Mar 23, 2024 | Andrea Grenadier

Register to Attend a Mobilizing for Action through...

Capitol bulding

Congress Releases Labor-HHS Bill in Final FY2024 Package

Early on March 21st, Congress released the final minibus package for Fiscal...

Mar 22, 2024 | Victoria Van de Vate

Congress Releases Labor-HHS Bill in Final FY2024 Package

Website New Episode w Special Guests
  • Press Release

National Association of County and City Health...

Local Public Health on the Hill Recap and Local Health Department Addresses the...

Mar 22, 2024

National Association of County and City Health...

Back to Top