June 2, 2017

FDA Extends Menu Labeling Compliance Date

On May 1, 2017, the FDA announced an extension to the original compliance date (May 5, 2017) for Menu Labeling, giving restaurants and other qualifying food establishments another year to get their ducks in a row, so to speak. The new compliance date is May 7, 2018.
Regulation Timeline Overview:

May 5, 2016 -The final guidance for industry on Menu Labeling was published in the Federal Register.
May 1, 2017 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a one-year extension for compliance.
May 4, 2017 – The extension was published in the Federal Register.
May 7, 2018 – The Menu Labeling regulations will be enforced.

We’re here to help!

ESHA offers a variety of services and software solutions to assist you with Menu Labeling compliance regardless of where you are in the process. We expect that most of you have already begun reviewing your menus with the regulations in mind since the compliance date has been on the horizon for some time. Whether you need a boost to finalize review and revision or need help getting started, we have options to assist you in the menu labeling process:

ESHA Consulting Services

The ESHA Consulting Services team can provide you with a simple compliance audit that will flag any inaccuracies and offer suggestions on how to fix them. The team can also go deeper and analyze your recipes and menu items, then provide you a report which lists calories and all other mandatory nutrients. From this information, you can then create your compliant menus, menu boards, and online content.

Genesis R&D + Food Menu Report

You can also take advantage of the Genesis R&D Food software program to easily comply with the FDA’s Menu Labeling regulations by using the Food Menu and Food Menu Report, which were specifically designed for this purpose. The Food Menu item entry organizes your recipes into categories (“Drinks” “Appetizers,” etc.) and lets you enter prices. The Food Menu Report analyzes for the required nutrients and can be adjusted to show allergens and other characteristics. Again, you can use this information to create your menus and other necessary documents.

Software & Regulatory Compliance Training

ESHA offers a variety of industry-specific training sessions throughout the year. Our Genesis R&D + Menu Labeling Training covers ingredient creation and recipe/menu building, best practices, and analysis reporting specific to restaurants, grocery stores, and those who have to comply with the FDA’s Menu Labeling regulations.