The UK's Calorie Labelling Regulations Explained
The UK government introduced the Calorie Labelling (Out of Home Sector) (England) Regulations 2021, which came into force on April 6, 2022. These regulations were part of a broader obesity strategy designed to help consumers make more informed food choices by providing clear, accessible nutritional information. The law mandates that calorie information, expressed in kilocalories (kcal), must be displayed on menus, websites, and apps for food prepared for immediate consumption. This legal framework is the primary reason why some listings on Just Eat feature calorie counts while others do not.
The 250+ Employee Rule
The core of the legislation hinges on a specific size threshold: it only applies to food businesses that employ 250 or more people in England. This includes large restaurant chains, major supermarkets with food counters, and larger takeaways. For these large companies, displaying calorie information at the 'point of choice'—where the customer decides what to buy—is compulsory. For a delivery app like Just Eat, this means the calorie counts must be shown next to the menu item on the app and online ordering platform.
Why Smaller Takeaways Can Omit Calorie Counts
In contrast, small and independent businesses with fewer than 250 employees are exempt from these mandatory calorie labelling rules. The government allows these smaller eateries to voluntarily provide calorie information if they choose, but there is no legal obligation to do so. The exemption is intended to relieve smaller businesses of the financial and operational burden of calculating and consistently displaying accurate nutritional data, which can vary significantly due to less standardised portioning and ingredient sourcing compared to large chains. This explains why a local family-run takeaway might have a menu on Just Eat without any calorie figures, whereas a large national pizza chain will always display them.
How to Find Nutritional Information Yourself
Just Eat's official help page explicitly directs customers to contact the restaurant directly for the most accurate and up-to-date dietary information. The company acts as a third-party platform and, while it must enforce the law for large partners, it cannot compel smaller partners to provide this voluntary information. Here are a few ways customers can find the information they need:
- Use the restaurant's own website: Many small restaurants may list nutritional information on their own site, even if they don't on the Just Eat app. You can often find a link or name for the restaurant on the app and search for them separately.
- Contact the restaurant directly: As advised by Just Eat, calling the restaurant is the best way to get detailed information, particularly for allergies or specific dietary needs. They can provide ingredient lists, preparation methods, and potentially offer an estimate of calorie counts.
- Look for standardised chain menus: If ordering from a large chain, like McDonald's or KFC, the calorie counts will be clearly displayed next to each menu item, as mandated by law.
Impact on Consumers and Restaurants
The dual-standard for calorie labelling on Just Eat has differing impacts on both consumers and the restaurant industry. For consumers, the lack of consistent information can be frustrating when trying to make healthier food choices or track nutritional intake. While large chains offer transparency, many popular smaller takeaways remain a nutritional mystery.
For restaurants, the exemptions provide a much-needed reprieve for independent owners facing financial pressures. However, some argue that even smaller businesses should offer greater transparency. The government aims to review the legislation in the coming years and may consider extending the requirement to smaller businesses in the future.
Comparison Table: Calorie Labelling on Just Eat
| Feature | Large Businesses (250+ employees) | Small Businesses (<250 employees) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Requirement | Yes, legally required since April 2022. | No, legally exempt from mandatory display. |
| Online Menu Display | Calorie information (kcal) must be clearly displayed on all online menus, including the Just Eat app. | Display is voluntary; many choose not to or don't have the resources to provide it accurately. |
| Just Eat's Role | The app enforces legal compliance for these partners, ensuring the information is visible at the point of choice. | Just Eat's help pages direct customers to the restaurant for information, as the app is not responsible for voluntary data. |
| Consumer Experience | Consistent and clear calorie information helps with informed decision-making. | Inconsistent calorie information can make it difficult for health-conscious consumers to choose meals. |
| Compliance Risk | Significant financial penalties (£2,500 fines) for non-compliance. | No legal risk for omitting calorie information. |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the reason Just Eat's calorie display is inconsistent is a direct result of UK government legislation that differentiates between large and small food businesses. While the law aims to address public health concerns by targeting major corporations, it exempts smaller, independent eateries to avoid placing undue burden on them. This creates a varied customer experience on the platform, where nutritional information is readily available from larger chains but often requires direct contact with smaller restaurants. For users prioritising calorie tracking, the simplest solution is to search specifically for meals from large chains or be prepared to do a little extra research when ordering from smaller, independent establishments. For more detailed food safety and allergen information, the Food Standards Agency offers comprehensive guidance. Find detailed allergen information on the Food Standards Agency website.
