compliance
San Francisco Calorie Labeling Compliance Checklist
San Francisco food service operators must comply with federal FDA menu labeling rules, California health code requirements, and city-specific enforcement standards. Health inspectors regularly cite calorie disclosure violations, which can result in warnings, fines, or operational citations. This checklist ensures your menu boards, signage, and food labels meet all regulatory requirements.
Federal FDA Menu Labeling Requirements
The FDA Food Labeling Modernization Act (FLMA) requires covered establishments to disclose calorie information for standard menu items. In San Francisco, this applies to chain restaurants with 20+ locations nationwide. Calorie counts must be posted clearly on menu boards, displays, or website menus in type size that's readily visible and legible. For combination meals and made-to-order items, you must provide calorie ranges or average values. The FDA also requires a statement like "2,000 calories per day is used for general nutrition advice," typically printed on menus or placards.
California State Health Code & Local Requirements
California Health and Safety Code Section 114205 incorporates federal menu labeling rules and adds state-level enforcement. San Francisco Department of Public Health enforces these standards during routine inspections. Menu items must display calories for all individually portioned foods and beverages, whether dine-in, takeout, or delivery. Digital menu boards must update calorie information if recipes or portions change. Common violations include missing calorie counts, illegible font sizes, incorrect calculations, and failure to disclose calories for seasonal or limited-time offerings.
Common Violations & Inspection Checklist Items
Health inspectors cite missing calorie labels on menu boards, signage, or online platforms; font sizes smaller than surrounding text; incorrect calorie calculations; and outdated information that doesn't reflect current recipes. Violations for combination meals (e.g., "burger + fries + drink") and missing calorie ranges for variable portions are frequently cited. To avoid violations, verify all menu items have accurate calorie counts from recipes or USDA databases, ensure fonts meet legibility standards (typically 12pt minimum), update labels when recipes change, and maintain documentation of calorie sources for inspector review. Digital platforms (third-party delivery apps, websites) must also display compliant calorie information.
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