Previously, the deadline for nutrition labeling for restaurants was December 1,2015.  The FDA just issued a federal register that now changes the final compliance date to December 1, 2016.

For more information you can read

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/07/10/2015-16865/food-labeling-nutrition-labeling-of-standard-menu-items-in-restaurants-and-similar-retail-food

The FDA recently announced two webinar classes.

• March 24th, 1:00-3:00pm EDT
  This will be a presentation on 
  
  a) Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments, and
  b) Calorie labeling of Articles of Food in Vending 
  
  The objectives will be
  
  1. Recall two of the criteria a restaurant or similar retail food establishment must meet to be covered by the menu labeling law.
  2. List the information is required to be included on the menu/menu board or for foods on display.
  3. Describe how covered establishments can determine their calorie content and how operators of vending machines can display calorie content.

• Monday, April 20th, 1:00-2:30pm
  Presentation on Gluten-free.  The objectives will be
  
  1. Describe the FDA definition of gluten-free
  2. Recall two requirements for a food labeled “gluten-free” to be marketed in the United States
  3. List the additional FDA suggested requirements for gluten-free labeling of hydrolyzed and fermented foods

For more information you can visit the information page from the FDA at:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/ucm432976.htm

The FDA just issued a ruling about when the compliance dates on when everyone needs to have the new redesigned label on their package.

• January 1, 2018 will be the deadline for the new labels.  Which is basically 3 years from now.
• It looks like we will get the new final labeling regulations somewhere between January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016.  Unfortunately that leaves the FDA two years of wiggle room to actually issue the regulations.

You can read more at

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/12/10/2014-28829/uniform-compliance-date-for-food-labeling-regulations

After many years of delay, the FDA final released the final rules for menu labeling in restaurants.  The final ruling can be read here.

Here is a short summary of the ruling.

What are calorie menu labeling rules?
If you meet criteria, your food establishment will have to display calories next to food items which are routinely offered.  Items which are daily specials are temporary do not have to have calories on it.

Who has to provide calorie labeling?

Menu labeling only applies if:

• You are an covered establishment and have 20 or more locations
• The establishment is DBA as the same name

Also the list extends just beyond restaurants:

If you are in the 'YES' column you will be under the regulations.

How do I provide menu calorie labeling?

The FDA allows establishments to use nutrition databases or lab analysis.  Since Menutail uses USDA data, you can use our site to generate your nutrition analysis!

Do I need to keep records after I do my calorie analysis?

The FDA may request records of your analysis methods.  Menutail will provide custom audit reports you can send to the FDA.

Do I need to have calories on alcochol?
Yes, alcohols will need to have calorie labeling.

When do I need to complete my menu labeling by?
December 1st, 2015

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Menutail is following this regulation closely, and if you have any questions you can e-mail contact@menutail.com