The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced two new rules which will require calorie information be listed on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants, similar retail food establishments and vending machines.
FDA claims that restaurants and similar retail food establishments with 20 or more locations, doing business under the same name and offering the same menu items for sale will have to follow the menu labelling final rule.
Covered food establishments must clearly display calorie information for standard items on menus and menu boards, next to the name or price of the item.
Written nutrition information has to be provided about total calories, total fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, fiber, sugars and protein.
However, seasonal menu items offered for sale as temporary menu items, daily specials and condiments for general use typically available on a counter or table are exempt from the labelling requirements.
FDA commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said: "Americans eat and drink about one-third of their calories away from home and people today expect clear information about the products they consume.
"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."
The menu labelling final rule also includes certain alcoholic beverages served in covered food establishments and listed on the menu.
FDA has introduced the new rule as the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, the law establishing nutrition labelling on most foods, did not cover nutrition labelling for restaurants and other ready-to-eat foods.
