Navigate Labeling Compliance with 4 Essential Sessions at reCONNECT 2023

The restaurant industry is not just about offering delicious food; it's also about ensuring that your customers have access to accurate and essential information about the meals they’ll be enjoying. And as the FDA returns to pre-public health emergency status, restaurant menu labeling compliance is making a comeback.

At Virtual reCONNECT 2023, we offered several essential sessions for food industry professionals focused on topics from FSMA 204 to building a strong food safety culture. But for restauranteurs, the sessions highlighted in this blog are must-see. So, if you missed the live event, you can still rewatch the sessions by registering for reCONNECT and checking your email for an access link and password. You won’t want to miss out on these crucial session focused on labeling and the food service sector.

The Return of Menu Labeling Compliance

Compliance with food safety and labeling regulations is non-negotiable, and the FDA has offered restaurants until November 7, 2023, to ensure they’re compliant with menu labeling regulations.

Menu labeling regulations require restaurant chains with 20 or more locations that share the same name to provide calorie content on menus, menu boards, and other point-of-sale materials. Additionally, they must make other nutrition information available in writing upon customer request. Compliance with these regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a testament to your commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction.

While the FDA has provided extensive resources to help you understand and comply with this regulation, at reCONNECT 2023, we spoke with experts who can address specific questions and concerns.

On day two, Trustwell’s Julie McGill was joined by the National Restaurant Association’s VP of Food Science and Industry, Patrick Guzzle, to discuss the regulation and offer practical tips to help restaurants comply before the deadline. Their session, “Restaurant Labeling is Back: How You Can Prepare Now to Meet the Deadline,” is still available on-demand to reCONNECT attendees.

The Vital Role of Accurate Nutrition Analysis and Transparent Labeling

To have accurate menu labels, your restaurant must first complete an accurate nutrition analysis of your food products and meals so you can properly display the correct calories, nutrient content, and more. To help restaurants understand this crucial step, reCONNECT offered an on-demand session with Chick-fil-A’s Nutrition Manager, Jodie Worrell.

During this day one session, “Navigating the Nutritional Landscape: The Vital Role of Accurate Nutrition Analysis in Food Menus,” Jodie shared insights into the critical importance of accurate nutrition analysis in food menus, as well as the value of providing precise nutritional information to health-conscious consumers. The session explored challenges and best practices in nutritional analysis and provided a deeper understanding of the technological solutions available to streamline this process.

In a similar vein, reCONNECT also hosted a discussion on the importance of transparent labeling – “The Role of Food Labeling in Empowering Informed Food Choices” with Rishi Banerjee, Senior Director of Consumer Brands Association and SmartLabel.

Consumers are eager for more transparency in the food they’re consuming – whether it’s food from a restaurant or grocery store, transparency in labeling is king. During this day three on-demand session, Rishi offered his unique perspective on transparent food labeling and how it empowers and informs consumer choices. The session provided a nuanced view of food labeling beyond compliance, shedding light on how to enhance consumer trust and brand credibility, and insight into the psychology of consumer decisions.

There’s More to Learn About Labeling Regulations

Regulations, nutritional information, and allergen statements are continually evolving. In the day two session, “Navigating the Regulatory Maze: Insights into Food Labeling Regulations”, Trustwell’s team of regulatory experts, Liz Salvo and Megan Murphy, dove into the top five labeling regulations making waves in the industry. Staying on top of these trends can be challenging, so our team broke down the legalese, offered guidance on how to achieve compliance, so you understand how these changes will impact your products, operations, brand, and the industry as a whole. 

Register Today to Rewatch reCONNECT 2023

At reCONNECT 2023, Trustwell offered food industry professionals an unparalleled opportunity to explore the intricacies of menu labeling compliance, nutritional analysis, and labeling regulations. If you missed the live event, don't worry. You can still register today for reCONNECT and receive an exclusive email access to these recorded events. Don’t miss the chance to elevate your expertise and drive compliance in the ever-evolving world of menu labeling.