Thursday, May 19, 2011

Federal Calorie Labeling Not to Include Booze?

The FDA says that the impending mandatory calorie labeling requirement will not apply to alcoholic beverages. Plans are to require all restaurants with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts on menus and menu boards in 2012.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “the new regulations will mean that the calorie counts of everything from a Chipotle burrito to a Starbucks Frappuccino must be posted in a font size that is ‘clear and conspicuous’ and color that's ‘at least as conspicuous as’ the print listing the menu item, according to the agency's guidance.”

But booze seems to be the exception, despite claims that alcohol is a big source of empty calorie consumption among Americans.

Smaller chains and independent restaurants should follow the menu labeling debate, as many observers believe the rules may eventually be expanded to include all food purveyors.

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