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NEW FDA Label Requirements
We can help your business meet these guidelines!

As consumers become more health and nutrition-savvy, the availability of nutrition information and healthier menu options become a must. Think of FDA labeling as an opportunity to position your store as a pioneer in the industry, ready to meet the growing customer demand for healthier menu choices.

Consumers get about a third of their calories from foods away from home, according the FDA. The new FDA labeling requirements are intended to better inform consumers about their choices. Providing clear, accurate and consistent nutrition information, including calorie content, will enable consumers to make the informed and healthy choices they desire. This kind of transparency can help build trust and loyalty.

These new requirements went into effect May 7th. There are some important changes that you need to put in place to make sure you follow all the FDA guidelines.


What is the new FDA labeling requirement?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has made significant changes to food, beverage and supplement labeling, which requires disclosure of certain nutrition information for standard menu items in certain restaurants and retail food establishments. The nutrition labeling requirements of the rule apply to standard menu items offered for sale in covered establishments. “Standard menu items” means restaurant-type food that is routinely included on a menu board or routinely offered as a self-service food or food on display.

This includes menu items from sit-down, take-out, self-service food and food ordered from a menu or menu board at a grocery store. Self-service foods include more than just buffets and salad bars. Bakery items such as donuts and muffins that customers take from a case and fountain drink machines available to customers are also covered by the rule.

Who will be impacted by the new FDA label requirements?

Restaurants, convenience stores and supermarket deli and bakery departments will be required to post nutritional information. The law states that these establishments must post nutritional information if they are part of a chain of 20 or more locations operating under the same name.

Let us help you get ready!


Hoagies with calorie labeling

What defines “Restaurant-type food”?

  • Usually eaten on the premises or soon after arriving at another location
  • Served in a restaurant or other establishment for immediate consumption
  • Processed and prepared primarily in a retail establishment, ready for immediate consumption

Examples of “Restaurant-type food”

  • Hot pizza at a grocery or convenience store
  • Hot buffet foods
  • Foods ordered from a menu board at a grocery store intended for individual consumption (e.g. sandwiches, salads)
  • Self-serve foods on display intended for individual consumption (e.g. sandwiches, wraps and paninis at a deli counter)
  • Cookies, bagels, donuts and rolls offered for individual sale


Statements on Menu Boards

In order to increase awareness about the availability of nutrition information and how it relates to individuals, stores will be required to update menu boards with two specific statements:

  • A “succinct statement” stating “2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice, but calorie needs vary”.
  • A “statement regarding the availability of the additional written nutrition information” which states, “Additional nutrition information available upon request”.

In the interest of transparency, FDA menu board labeling regulations specify these statements must be posted:

  • “Prominently and in a clear and conspicuous manner;
  • In a type size no smaller than the smallest type size of any calorie declaration appearing on the same menu or menu board;
  • In the same color in a color at lease as conspicuous as that used for calorie declarations; and
  • With the same contrasting background or a background at least as contrasting as that used for the calorie declarations”


How to Provide Additional Nutrition Information

It’s no secret that every store is different. For that reason, FDA provides a variety of options to covered establishments for making the written nutrition information required by menu labeling regulations easily available to your customers. These options include:

  • Counter cards, sign, poster, handout, booklet, loose leaf binder;
  • Electronic device, such as a computer;
  • In a menu; or
  • In any other form that similarly permits the written declaration of the required nutrition content information for all standard menu items.
  • If the written nutrition information is not in a form that can be given to the customer upon request, it must be readily available in a manner and location on the premises that allows the consumer to review written nutrition information upon request.

Hubert Product Solutions

Get the portion control and signage tools you need now! We have everything you need to be compliant with the new FDA labeling regulations. For example, if a cupcake states 150 calories and that is based on an 8 oz. cupcake with 6 oz. of icing, you will need to make sure each cupcake is consistent when making them. Our solutions help you make sure the portions are correct.

How We Can Help

New FDA food label changes have triggered many questions, so we have made our experts available to discuss your needs or concerns. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you, so you can focus your time on doing what you do best. Our market specialists will work with you to implement the new labeling guidelines throughout your store in a way that will drive both traffic and sales. Contact us today at FoodRetail@hubert.com or call us at 1 (800) 543-7374 so we can discuss personalized solutions for all you menu labeling needs.