Who is required to show calories on menus in the UK?
The requirement to show calories in the UK, under the Calorie Labelling (Out of Home Sector) (England) Regulations 2021, applies specifically to large food businesses. A qualifying business is one that has 250 or more employees, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time. This includes a wide range of establishments serving food and drink ready for immediate consumption, either on or off the premises. The law aims to increase transparency and empower consumers with better nutritional information at the point of choice.
Types of businesses that must comply
- Restaurants and cafés: Large national and international chain restaurants are the primary targets of the legislation.
- Fast food outlets: Major takeaway chains and fast-food venues with over 250 staff must comply.
- Supermarket cafés: Larger supermarkets that operate in-store cafés or food counters for immediate consumption must also display calorie counts.
- Third-party delivery apps: Online platforms like Uber Eats or Deliveroo, when selling food from a qualifying business, must also display the calorie information on their apps and websites.
- Contract caterers: Businesses providing catering services to venues like workplaces or educational institutions (for over-18s) are included if they meet the employee threshold.
What information must be displayed?
The regulations are precise about what must be shown on menus and other customer-facing materials. It is not enough to simply provide the calorie number; there are specific formatting and content requirements.
- Energy content in kilocalories (kcal): The exact number of kilocalories must be displayed next to each relevant food and non-alcoholic drink item.
- Portion size reference: The calorie count must correspond to the portion size offered. For example, it might say "350 kcal per slice" or "850 kcal per pizza, serves 3".
- Daily calorie needs statement: A standard statement must be included on every page of the menu (or prominently on menu boards) to provide context: "Adults need around 2000 kcal a day".
Exemptions to calorie labelling
While the law is broad, several exemptions exist to provide flexibility for certain business types and menu items.
- Small businesses: Businesses with fewer than 250 employees are not legally required to display calories, though they are encouraged to do so voluntarily.
- Alcoholic drinks: Beverages with an alcoholic strength by volume (ABV) of more than 1.2% are exempt.
- Temporary menu items: "Specials" or limited-time offers that are on the menu for less than 30 consecutive days in a calendar year are not required to be labelled.
- Customer-specific orders: Food that is customised at a customer's specific request and not a standard menu item does not require a calorie count.
- Condiments: Condiments that are provided for customers to add themselves, such as salt, pepper, or sauce bottles, are exempt.
- Charitable food providers: Food provided for free or at cost by charitable organisations is also exempt.
Calorie Labelling for Different Food Service Areas
Providing accurate calorie information can vary depending on the format of the food service. The regulations specify how to handle different scenarios to ensure clarity for consumers.
| Food Service Area | How Calories Must Be Displayed |
|---|---|
| Physical Menus | Clearly next to the item name or price, including the portion size reference and the "2000 kcal a day" statement on every page. |
| Online Menus | Must be visible at the point of choice, before the customer completes their order. This applies to both the restaurant's own website and third-party apps. |
| Self-Service Areas (Buffets) | On a label next to each item, specifying the calories per serving or per recognised unit, such as "per scoop" or "per slice". |
| Menu Boards | The calorie count, portion reference, and standard daily intake statement must be clearly visible and legible to customers viewing the board. |
| Delivered Food | For phone or online orders, the calorie information must be available both online and provided to the customer upon delivery, such as on a printed menu in the takeaway bag. |
The Calculation and Enforcement Process
To comply, large food businesses must employ accurate and reliable methods for calculating the calorie content of their menu items. There is a 20% margin of error permitted, provided the business can demonstrate due diligence in its calculations. Acceptable methods include using nutritional analysis software, drawing on reputable food data from sources like the UK Food Standards Agency, or commissioning laboratory analysis.
Enforcement is carried out by local authorities, typically through environmental health officers. During inspections, officers will check for compliance, which includes verifying the presence, clarity, and accuracy of the labels. Non-compliant businesses may initially receive improvement notices and can face fines of up to £2,500 if the issue persists.
What about the rest of the UK?
The legislation primarily applies to England. While Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have similar health objectives, they are subject to their own legislation. In England, the policy was introduced as part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle obesity, although its effectiveness in changing consumer behaviour is a subject of ongoing debate. Some studies suggest that while awareness of calories has increased, it has had a modest effect on overall consumption.
Conclusion: A Clearer Picture for Diners
The short answer to the question "do restaurants have to show calories in the UK?" is yes, but only for certain large businesses in England. The regulations, active since April 2022, mandate that food businesses with 250 or more employees must display calorie counts on their menus and platforms. This offers consumers clearer information to inform their food choices. Smaller, independent restaurants are not legally required to participate but can choose to do so. These rules, exemptions, and display requirements are part of a wider public health effort, providing a more transparent dining experience for many UK residents. This means if you're eating at a large chain restaurant, you can expect to see the calorie count on your menu, but at a local café, it's not a legal guarantee.
The broader context of calorie labelling
The push for mandatory calorie labelling is a response to rising obesity levels in the UK. While intended to inform consumers, the policy is not without its critics. Concerns have been raised by eating disorder charities about the potential negative impact on vulnerable individuals, and some in the hospitality sector voiced worries about implementation costs and reduced menu creativity. The government, however, allows for menus without calorie information to be provided upon request, though it's at the business's discretion. Ultimately, the legislation represents a significant shift towards greater nutritional transparency in the out-of-home dining sector, transforming how millions of customers view their meal choices.
