The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two final rules requiring calories be listed on certain menus in chain restaurants, other places selling restaurant-type foods and on certain vending machines, according to an FDA news release.
“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, M.D. “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.”
Restaurants or retail food establishments that are a part of a chain of 20 or more locations will be required to display calorie information next to the name or price of the item for standard items on menus and menu boards. Establishments will have one year to comply with the menu labeling requirements.
Under the vending machine final rule, operators who own or operate 20 or more vending machines must disclose calorie information for food sold from the vending machines. Operators will have two years to comply with the requirements.