So, it’s been a few months now that the Menu Labeling Law has been in effect, and most covered establishments have jumped in and followed the regulations.
Under this law covered establishments must disclose the number of calories contained in standard items on menus and menu boards. Businesses must also provide, upon request, the following written nutrition information for standard menu items: total calories; total fat; saturated fat; trans-fat; cholesterol; sodium; total carbohydrates; sugars; fiber; and protein. The calories are intended to be listed for what you would eat in one sitting. The only exceptions are for items served in discrete units, such as slices of pizza, which can be can declared per slice.
Easily accessible calorie counts help consumers make healthier choices. By creating transparency with consumers, menu labeling creates customer loyalty and can attract new customers to your store. Consumers appreciate companies who provide full disclosure regarding their product or menu items especially when it comes to what they eat.
However, some chains seem to think they are “too cool” to follow the rules. Instead consumers are instructed to use a separate nutrition calculator to figure out the nutrition content of their meals when ordering online. What’s even more misleading for consumers is the serving size that the menus list. Depending on what pizza establishment you go to you will find different serving sizes for similar items, which can be confusing for consumers.
For example, some chains have listed the serving size for a sandwich as half a sandwich while in reality the whole sandwich is intended to be consumed for one meal. This goes against the intended purpose of the menu labeling law. It is also misleading for consumers who are using the nutrition information to decide where to eat.
If you have questions about the law and regulations or are concern your nutrition may be misleading, our team of Culinary Nutritionists are here to help. Give us a call today to learn more about our services.
