On April 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published proposed rules for nutrition labeling of standard menu items in restaurants with 20 or more locations (as well as bakeries, coffee shops, and certain grocery and convenience stores). The calorie count for each item must be posted in a clear and conspicuous manner on in-store menus and drive thru menu boards. This federal standard will replace any local and state menu labeling legislation.

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.