compliance
San Diego Calorie Labeling Compliance Checklist for Food Service
San Diego food service operators must comply with federal FDA calorie labeling rules, California state menu labeling laws, and local San Diego County Health & Human Services requirements. Non-compliance can result in health department violations, fines, and closure notices. This checklist covers the specific calorie disclosure requirements and inspection points that San Diego health inspectors verify.
Federal & California Calorie Labeling Requirements
The FDA's menu labeling rule (part of the Affordable Care Act) requires covered establishments with 20+ locations to disclose calorie counts for standard menu items. California's Menu Labeling Law (Health & Safety Code §114012.5) applies the same federal standard statewide and requires calorie information on menus, menu boards, and drive-through displays. San Diego County enforces both regulations through its Environmental Health Department. All proposed menu items must have calorie information available at point of purchase, either printed on the menu, displayed on digital boards, or provided verbally with written materials available upon request.
San Diego Health Inspection Checklist Items
San Diego County Health & Human Services inspectors verify: (1) All standard menu items display accurate calorie counts on menus, menu boards, and signage; (2) Digital menu boards update calorie information consistently with printed menus; (3) Drive-through boards and takeout menus include calorie disclosures; (4) Combination meals and customizable items show calorie ranges or footnotes; (5) Staff can provide written calorie information upon customer request; (6) Menu labeling is legible and in the same font size as item names. Missing or inaccurate calorie information on any visible menu format triggers a violation citation.
Common Violations & Documentation to Maintain
Frequent violations include missing calorie counts on secondary menus (takeout, app-based, catering), outdated information after recipe changes, and illegible font sizes. San Diego inspectors expect operators to maintain a documented menu labeling system with calorie source documentation (USDA database, lab analysis, or nutrition software records). Keep records of menu changes, date calorie information was updated, and staff training logs showing employees understand disclosure requirements. Failure to provide calorie information in writing when requested is a specific violation under California law. Digital menu boards must allow quick updates to reflect seasonal or promotional item changes without lag.
Get real-time alerts on San Diego health code updates—start free
Real-time food safety alerts from 25+ government sources. AI-scored by urgency. Less than one bad meal a month — $4.99/mo.
Start free trial → alerts.getpanko.app