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For Consumers
Why is Menu Labeling important?
When and where can I see Menu Labeling?
Enforcement

Why is Menu Labeling important?

With the number of meals people eat outside of the home reaching an all-time high (49% of food dollars are spent for eating out), it is becoming more important for consumers to have accurate information when eating out to make healthful choices.  People typically underestimate the calories in the foods they eat.
 
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that 9 out of 10 people underestimated the calorie content of certain items by an average of 600 calories (almost 50% less than the actual calorie content).  Portion sizes have increased which makes it difficult for the public to estimate calorie consumption. 
 
The National Institutes of Health believes that weight gain results because "a single meal from one of these restaurants often contains enough calories to satisfy a person's caloric requirement for an entire day".  By providing the public with the nutrient values that are in their food they are able to make informed decisions.

When and where can I see Menu Labeling?

Phase 1
Chain restaurants are required to make available, upon request, the following information in written format for each standard menu item by January 1, 2010.
  1. Total calories

  2. Total grams of saturated fat

  3. Total grams of trans fat

  4. Total grams of carbohydrates

  5. Total milligrams of sodium
 
Multiple formats can be used to display this information including: a supplemental menu, a menu insert, brochures or a pamphlet.  A copy of nutrient information shall be made available to each customer who requests it and restaurants should not require customers to return the information.

Enforcement

  • What if I request nutrient information in a restaurant I believe to be a chain and it is not available?
After January 1, 2010, chain restaurants are required by law to provide nutrient information to anyone who requests it. If you request this information and it is not available, the chain restaurant is not in compliance with the law. We encourage you to let the restaurant know that they are required to provide this information.
  • What if I believe a restaurant has inaccurately calculated their nutrient information?
At this time the Department of Human Services does not have the administrative ability to ensure accuracy of nutrient information.
  • Can restaurants be fined if they don't comply with the Menu Labeling Act?
According to the Menu Labeling Act, restaurants can be fined after January 1, 2011 when the 2 nd phase of the Menu Labeling Act takes effect.  If a chain restaurant is found in violation of the law after that point, they can be fined anywhere from $250-$1,000 dollars for not posting calorie values.