On May 7, federal regulations adopted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took effect regarding menu labelling. Part of a broader multi-year Nutrition Innovation Strategy designed to reduce the burden of chronic disease, these regulations require restaurants and chain food merchants to post calorie counts for all standard menu items. This can be done with a paper menu, an electronic device such as an iPad, among other options.
In explaining the importance of such labelling, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb M.D. told the Washington Post that the menu labelling requirement will offer multiple benefits. Gottlieb highlighted two such benefits: allowing consumers to make more informed choices and inspiring competition among covered businesses to produce and promote more healthful food and beverage options.
In practical terms, some business owners have expressed concern about the high cost of compliance as well as the practicality of capturing exact calorie counts for items such as pizza with multiple variations or topping combinations. Also, slight variations on amount of some ingredients could alter the calorie counts, making the labels less effective.
The FDA is also considering requiring its approval of health claims on food labels. In other words, if a company wants to assert that its product can alleviate symptoms of specific maladies, such statements must first be approved by the FDA.
As federal regulations from the FDA and other agencies change, PFMA staff will stay abreast of developments and continue to offer educational opportunities for our members to offer feedback and stay compliant.
In explaining the importance of such labelling, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb M.D. told the Washington Post that the menu labelling requirement will offer multiple benefits. Gottlieb highlighted two such benefits: allowing consumers to make more informed choices and inspiring competition among covered businesses to produce and promote more healthful food and beverage options.
In practical terms, some business owners have expressed concern about the high cost of compliance as well as the practicality of capturing exact calorie counts for items such as pizza with multiple variations or topping combinations. Also, slight variations on amount of some ingredients could alter the calorie counts, making the labels less effective.
The FDA is also considering requiring its approval of health claims on food labels. In other words, if a company wants to assert that its product can alleviate symptoms of specific maladies, such statements must first be approved by the FDA.
As federal regulations from the FDA and other agencies change, PFMA staff will stay abreast of developments and continue to offer educational opportunities for our members to offer feedback and stay compliant.
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