If you’re reading this, you have less than two months until new government legislation comes into effect that could be relevant to your business.
What is the new legislation?
From 6th April, new government legislation demands that all hospitality businesses, including restaurants, cafes and takeaways, with more than 250 employees have to add calorie information to menus and food labels.
Is your business included?
If you are a hotel, bar, restaurant, café or takeaway with more than 250 employees across the whole business, the chances are yes, your business is included. Essentially any business operating in the out-of-home sector is included – that also means caterers, bakeries and food delivery companies too.
Where should you begin?
Information on calorie content must be displayed at the point where the customer would decide on what choice to go for. For example, this includes menus, food labels, and takeaway boards.
Alongside calorie information, you must also display the size of the portion and the recommended daily allowance for an adult, which is currently around 2,000 kcal a day.
It’s not enough to cover one base either, this information needs to be displayed prominently at all points where the consumer could make a consumption decision.
The finer details
This is where things get a little complex – especially for hotels. Buffet services are also included in the new legislation. This means each component must be labelled adequately. For example, 1 slice of toast = 120 calories, and so forth.
Some exemptions apply and for clarity it is best to refer to the government guidance.
So now you know if the legislation applies to you, but how can you best prepare?
Palm has put together a handy checklist of areas to think about before implementing the changes to your business:
- Find your tool to measure calorie content
- Use a digital system to update online menus quickly and effectively
- Train all staff in new legislation and ensure a good, thorough understanding
- Prepare your staff with best practice when answering any consumer questions about calorie content
- Consider how you present the information to customers in an appealing way
- Consider the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of printing new menus and labels
- Consider including other nutritional information – calorie content is a small consideration when it comes to healthy eating
- Ensure all processes and changes are in place for April 6th
To find out more about the calorie counting legislation and a comms campaign for your business, email emily@palm-pr.com