Memphis Restaurant Calorie Labeling Compliance Checklist

Federal FDA Requirements for Calorie Disclosure

The FDA requires restaurants and similar food service establishments with 20 or more locations operating under the same name to disclose calorie information for standard menu items, including beverages and made-to-order items. This applies to printed menus, drive-through boards, and online ordering platforms. Calories must be displayed in a clear and conspicuous manner immediately adjacent to the menu item name or price. The Shelby County Health Department enforces these requirements during routine inspections and specifically checks that calorie counts are accurate, current, and legible to customers.

Tennessee-Specific Labeling Standards & Menu Documentation

Tennessee does not have state-level calorie labeling requirements that exceed federal FDA standards, but the state requires that calorie information be based on reasonable scientific evidence and standardized recipes. All calorie calculations must be documented and available for inspector review. Shelby County Health Department inspectors verify that you maintain written documentation showing how calorie counts were determined—whether through USDA databases, lab analysis, or certified nutrient analysis software. Keep records for at least one year and update them when recipes, portion sizes, or ingredients change to ensure ongoing compliance.

Common Violations & Inspection Checkpoints in Memphis

Inspectors commonly cite missing calorie labels on drive-through menus, handwritten or illegible calorie values, and outdated information for seasonal or promotional items. Verify that all point-of-sale displays, printed menus, and digital platforms show consistent calorie counts. Ensure that combination meals and sides are labeled individually, and that disclaimer statements (such as "Prepared in-store; values may vary") are included where applicable. Track changes to suppliers, recipes, or portion sizes and update calorie information within 30 days to avoid citations for inaccurate data during follow-up inspections.

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