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Last updated: 4/8/10

National Menu Labeling Law

SECTION 2572 of the US Health Care Reform Bill

On March 22nd, 2010, the US Health Care Reform Bill was signed into law by the president. Please refer to this document for information regarding the menu labeling section only of Section 2572 of the US Health Care Reform Bill.

Who is affected?

Restaurants that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name (regardless of the type of ownership of the locations) and offering for sale substantially the same menu items.

What does not need to be labeled?

• Condiments or items offered for general use.
• Specials/temporary items listed on the menu less than 60 days out of the calendar year.
• Custom orders.

What is required and where?

	Description	Required Labeling
Menus	The primary writing of the restaurant from which a consumer makes an order selection.	Display the number of calories adjacent to the name of the standard menu item, so as to be clearly associated with the standard menu item. A statement concerning suggested daily caloric intake, as specified by the Secretary posted prominently on the menu.
Menu Boards	The primary writing for shared viewing of the restaurant from which a consumer makes an order selection. Includes drive through menu boards.	Display the number of calories adjacent to the name of the standard menu item, so as to be clearly associated with the standard menu item. A statement concerning suggested daily caloric intake, as specified by the Secretary posted prominently on the menu board.
Self-Service Items	Food sold at a salad bar, buffet line, cafeteria line, or similar self-service facility, and for self-service beverages of food that is on display and that is visible to customers.	Place a sign adjacent to each food offered that lists calories per displayed food item or per serving.
Additional Literature	Information available in written form available upon request.	Display the number of: Calories Calories From Fat Total Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbohydrates Sugars Dietary Fiber Protein

Menu Variability and Combination Meals

Regulations to be determined.

Enactment Date

Within one year, exact date to be determined.

Nutrition Analysis Methods

• Nutrient Database
• Laboratory Testing

Preemption

Once enacted these regulations will preempt all existing state and local menu labeling laws.