With consumers eating a third to half of their meals in restaurants, the law is intended to provide the same information that has been available on packaged goods since the 1990s. The hope is that consumers will make healthier choices based on their dietary needs.

The FDA has opened a 60 day window for input on the proposed policies, and final regulations should be determined by end of year. Once the regulations are finalized, all chain restaurants will have 6 months to comply. As many of our clients prepare for their regular menu board updates, some may be inclined to wait on the final regulations before refreshing their menus and menu boards.

While we’ve already seen some of our clients impacted by the patchwork of local nutrition labeling laws enacted over the past few years, these new federal regulations will affect all of our QSR and Fast Casual clients. The process of gathering nutritional information and redesigning menu boards can be complex, especially if ingredients differ by region or location.

To learn more about the updates, click here to see the Labeling and Nutrition section of the FDA’s website. To submit input on the proposed regulations, visit http://www.regulations.gov. Comments must be submitted by June 6, 2011 to be considered.

What are your responses to the new regulations? Do you have any questions concerning Synq’s capabilities regarding the caloric requirements? If so, I’m happy to respond to them in the forum below.

It was a very educational experience to see how things really operate on Capitol Hill. Hopefully the efforts of the CFA will enable our clients and the rest of small businesses to operate without legislative burdens that threaten their livelihood.

For more information on the CFA efforts, visit www.thecfainc.com.

At least the new federal standards will eventually supersede the patchwork of existing menu labeling requirements. For national restaurants (defined as 20 or more locations), this legislation will require a change in menu design, unless existing local and state requirements already caused operators to undertake this exercise.

The good news for restaurateurs is that the national standard does not go into effect until next year. The bad news is that operators in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Philadelphia, and a dozen other localities will be required to comply with varying local and state regulations until that time.

Tell us how you feel about the new federal menu labeling requirements.

With a new year well under way, it is the perfect time to reflect on what was a remarkable 2009 and look forward to an even better 2010.

Last year was proof that the marketing execution needs of the QSR, fast casual and retail market place are unique. Some of these requirements might seem simple on the surface, but if you put them all together and then spread them across your entire system, things can get pretty complicated. That’s where we come in. You’ve got multiple menu board systems and sizes – no problem! You’ve got varying price points by market, by franchisee, even by individual location – been there, done that! You’ve got caloric disclosure requirements varying by jurisdiction – Synq’s got you covered. You’ve got all of the above, plus you’re changing your menu, rolling out a complete new pricing structure and you want it changed out overnight – BRING IT ON!

We are also champions of Local Marketing, and we will help you take it from the concept hatched at your agency or in your board room to a completely integrated campaign at your locations. Let us work with you to apply the best practices that can only come from someone focused on this market. At Synq, we eat, breathe and sleep this stuff.

That is why in 2009 we were able to add 7 new major QSR, retail and fast casual brands representing over 12,000 individual locations to our already impressive list of customers. We are extremely flattered and humbled by the trust they have shown in us, and we will serve them with the same dedication as we do all of the 50,000 plus locations we currently serve.

In 2010 we will continue to be your industry partner, focusing on the issues that matter most to you. Beyond print, fulfillment and technology, we will focus on innovative solutions for the QSR, fast casual and retail markets that make your job easier, save time and reduce costs.

Here’s to a great 2010.

Mike