Calorie Labelling FAQs
Everything you need to know about calorie labelling – here is a list of the most frequently asked questions by our customers including expert answers. If you can’t find the answer to your questions, please get in touch with our labelling team below.
FAQs
What type of businesses does the new legislation apply to?
Large out-of-home food businesses in England, including restaurants, cafes and takeaways with more than 250 employees.
When do I need to have calorie information on my menus?
From the 6th of April 2022.
What information needs to be given to the customer?
The energy content of the food in kilocalories (kcal); The reference the size of the portion to which the calorie information relates; and a statement that ‘adults need around 2000 kcal a day’.
Where does the information need to be displayed?
Anywhere a customer can choose from food on sale. Including, digital signage, paper menus, labels, and counter signs. Information must also include the adult recommended intake.
Will providing a QR code that our customers can scan be enough?
No - In all cases, the information businesses are required to display must be displayed at the place where the customer decides what food they are going to buy. The information must be easily visible, clearly legible, and not in any way hidden or obscured by other written or pictorial matter, or any other intervening material.
What does "out of home sector" mean?
Any outlet where food or drink is prepared in a way that means it is ready for immediate consumption by the person who buys it.
Is it true that I also need to provide a menu without the required calorie information displayed?
No - the Regulations permit businesses to provide a menu without the required calorie information at the express request of the customer. While a menu without calorie information can be provided at the request of the customer, a menu with the required calorie information must be offered to the customer by default.
What foods fall under the scope of the Regulations?
Foods that need to be calorie labelled are foods that are prepared and sold for immediate consumption, like - a meal at a restaurant; a prepacked food for direct sale such as a sandwich made and packaged on-site at a café; food packaged at a consumer’s request, such as a sausage roll at a bakery; sides and toppings on a menu that a customer can choose to add to their order.
Why are food businesses being asked to put calorie information on their menus?
Calorie labelling is a public health measure aimed at supporting the government to address growing levels of obesity. Giving consumers calorie information helps them to make more informed food choices and can support people’s efforts to eat more healthily. It is also thought that calorie labelling will help the industry to reformulate their dishes to reduce calories.
Are children's menus included in the the new calorie legislation? Do calories need to be on children's menus?
Children’s menus are required to display calorie information. However, they are not required to display the statement ‘adults need around 2000 kcal a day’ as the calorie needs of children are less. The statement does not need to be included on a menu which only lists food for children, or on a page in a menu if the page only lists food for children.