FDA Promises Practical Guidance On Menu Labeling Requirement By Year End
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted a statement from Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., concerning issuing guidance on clear and consistent calorie and nutrition labeling information. He stated that the FDA takes it's responsibility seriously and wants to ensure Americans have access to proper food labels in a manner that provides people information to make healthy choices. To that end, the FDA is promising additional practical guidance on the menu labeling requirements by the end of this year, allowing covered establishments to implement the requirements by the 2018 compliance deadline.
Editor's Insight: While the release mentions restaurants, with the continued popularity of micro markets and partially unattended cafes or cafeterias in workplaces provided by operators, the FDA's guidance and rules on labeling are something the industry should continue to watch.