Understanding the UK's Calorie Labelling Law
In England, new calorie labelling regulations came into effect on April 6, 2022, as part of the government's strategy to tackle obesity. The legislation, formally known as The Calorie Labelling (Out of Home Sector) (England) Regulations 2021, mandates that food businesses with 250 or more employees must display calorie information. This includes restaurant, cafés, and takeaways that provide non-prepacked food and drink for immediate consumption. The law also applies to food sold through third-party delivery platforms.
Who is required to show calorie information?
The legislation focuses on large businesses within the 'out of home' sector. This primarily includes major chains and franchises, regardless of whether individual outlets fall below the 250-employee threshold. Examples of business types that must comply include:
- Chain restaurants, pubs, and fast-food outlets
- Cafés and takeaways, including those within larger venues like supermarkets or entertainment complexes
- Large catering businesses
- Supermarket 'food to go' sections
- Third-party delivery platforms displaying food from qualifying businesses
What information must be displayed?
Qualifying businesses are required to provide several key pieces of information at the 'point of choice', such as on physical menus, menu boards, and online ordering systems.
- The calorie content in kilocalories (kcal) for each standard food and drink item.
- A clear reference to the portion size the calorie count applies to (e.g., 'per serving' or 'per slice').
- The statement: "Adults need around 2000 kcal a day" must be prominently displayed to provide context.
Which popular chains have calories on their menus?
Since the legislation came into force, numerous major UK chains now display calorie information on their menus and websites. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Fast Food: McDonald's, KFC, Subway, and Burger King.
- Casual Dining: Wetherspoons, PizzaExpress, Wahaca, and Franco Manca.
- Casual Cafés and Healthy Options: Leon, Tossed, and Greggs.
Comparison of Mandatory vs. Voluntary Labelling
| Feature | Mandatory Calorie Labelling | Voluntary Calorie Labelling |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Large food businesses with 250+ employees in England | Any food business, typically smaller, independent restaurants |
| Legal Requirement | Required by law with potential fines for non-compliance | No legal obligation; implemented at business's discretion |
| Customer Context | Requires the "Adults need around 2000 kcal a day" statement | May or may not include daily guideline information |
| Enforcement | Carried out by local authorities and health departments | No external enforcement; based on internal business policy |
| Impact | Intended to influence public health and consumer choices | Often used for transparency or as a marketing tool |
Frequently asked questions about calorie labelling
Are there exemptions to the UK calorie labelling law?
Yes, certain foods and businesses are exempt. This includes small, independent restaurants and chains with fewer than 250 employees. Exempt food items include temporary menu specials available for less than 30 days a year, food provided by charities, and pre-packaged items that already comply with existing labelling laws. In England, alcohol over 1.2% ABV is also exempt.
Do I have to see the calories on the menu?
No. While not legally mandated for restaurants to provide them, many chains offer a menu without calorie information upon customer request. You can politely ask your server if a calorie-free menu is available when you dine in. However, this is at the restaurant's discretion.
Does the law apply to delivery services like Just Eat or Deliveroo?
Yes, the regulations state that third-party delivery apps must also display calorie information for items supplied by qualifying businesses. The information should be available at the point of choice and potentially upon delivery.
Is the calorie labelling law UK-wide?
No, the mandatory calorie labelling law came into effect in England only. While the Scottish and Welsh governments have considered similar measures, and some businesses in these countries may label voluntarily, the specific legislation applies only to England as of April 2022. Northern Ireland is also not currently covered by this specific regulation.
How can restaurants ensure their calorie counts are accurate?
Restaurants must use reliable methods to calculate calorie content, typically using nutritional analysis software or laboratory testing. Regular reviews and recalculations are necessary for any recipe changes to maintain accuracy. A 20% margin of error is considered acceptable, provided due diligence is shown in the calculation process.
What are the main benefits of calorie labelling?
The government introduced calorie labelling to help tackle obesity by empowering consumers to make more informed food choices. The aim is also to encourage businesses to reformulate and offer healthier, lower-calorie options. For some consumers, it can be a useful tool for managing their weight or tracking their dietary intake.
What are the criticisms of menu calorie labelling?
Some eating disorder charities, like Beat, have raised concerns that mandatory calorie labelling can be distressing for individuals with or recovering from eating disorders. They argue it could increase anxiety and preoccupation with calorie counting. Some in the hospitality industry also express concern over increased costs and the potential for a negative impact on creativity and the overall dining experience.
Will smaller, independent restaurants ever have to display calories?
Currently, businesses with fewer than 250 employees are exempt from the mandatory requirements. However, the government encourages smaller businesses to adopt calorie labelling on a voluntary basis to promote transparency. This is entirely at the discretion of the business owner.
Conclusion
In summary, the UK calorie labelling law dictates that all major restaurant and fast-food chains with 250 or more employees in England must display calorie counts on their menus. This includes familiar names such as McDonald's, KFC, and PizzaExpress, among many others. The regulation, which took effect in April 2022, was designed to improve public health by providing consumers with clearer nutritional information. While it represents a significant shift for large food businesses and has faced criticism from some quarters, the law has made calorie information a standard feature for millions of diners across England.
