Menu and Vending Machine Labeling
FDA has finalized two rules requiring that calorie information be listed on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments and vending machines.
Americans eat and drink about one-third of their calories away from home. Making calorie information available will help consumers make informed choices for themselves and their families.
- Menu Labeling - Applies to restaurants and similar retail food establishments if they are part of a chain of 20 or more locations, doing business under the same name, offering for sale substantially the same menu items and offering for sale restaurant-type foods.
- Vending Machine Labeling - Requires operators who own or operate 20 or more vending machines to disclose calorie information for food sold from vending machines, subject to certain exemptions.
Related Resources
- Updates:
- FDA Announces Availability of Draft Supplemental Guidance on Menu Labeling
- FDA Announces Temporary Flexibility Policy Regarding Certain Labeling Requirements for Foods for Humans During COVID-19 Pandemic
- FDA Provides Flexibility Regarding Menu Labeling Requirements for Chain Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- FDA Extends Menu Labeling Compliance Date to 2018
- Guidance:
- Draft Guidance for Industry: Calorie Labeling of Articles of Food in Vending Machines
- Guidance for Industry: Menu Labeling Supplemental Guidance
- Guidance for Industry: Calorie Labeling of Articles of Food in Vending Machines; Small Entity Compliance Guide
- Guidance for Industry: A Labeling Guide for Restaurants and Retail Establishments Selling Away-From-Home Foods - Part I
- Guidance for Industry: A Labeling Guide for Restaurants and Retail Establishments Selling Away-From-Home Foods - Part II
- Guidance for Industry: Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments; Small Entity Compliance Guide
- Other:
For Consumers
Calorie labeling on menus can help you make informed and healthful decisions about meals and snacks. Learn more about Calories on the Menu.