Calorie Labeling: Chicago vs Schaumburg
How do calorie labeling rules compare between Chicago, IL and Schaumburg, IL?
Chicago and Schaumburg have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Calorie labeling on Chicago restaurant menus follows the federal FDA Menu Labeling Rule under 21 CFR 101.11, which requires chains with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts. CDPH inspectors check compliance during routine restaurant inspections.
View full Chicago rules →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Federal FDA rules at 21 CFR §101.11 require chains with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts on menus and drive-throughs. Cook County DPH inspectors verify compliance during routine retail food inspections in suburban Cook; Illinois adds no separate state menu-labeling mandate.
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Federal rule | 21 CFR 101.11 | 21 CFR §101.11 |
| Coverage threshold | 20 or more locations | - |
| Local enforcer | CDPH sanitarian inspectors | - |
| Effective date | May 7, 2018 | - |
| Sugary-drink warning | Not enacted in Chicago | - |
| Threshold | - | Chains with 20+ locations |
| Required disclosure | - | Calories on menus, drive-through |
| State-level law | - | None separate from federal |
| County enforcer | - | CCDPH retail food inspectors |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Do all Chicago restaurants post calories?
No. Only chains with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name must comply. Independent neighborhood restaurants and small chains remain exempt under federal law and Chicago has not extended the requirement.
Who enforces calorie labeling locally?
CDPH sanitarians integrate the check into routine MCC 7-38 inspections. They issue local citations and notify FDA when chains fail to comply. Customers can also report missing labels through 311 or directly to FDA.
Schaumburg FAQ
Does my small Cook County restaurant need calorie counts?
No. Federal calorie labeling applies only to chains with 20 or more locations doing substantially the same business. Independent operators and small regional chains under 20 locations are exempt from posting requirements.
How does Cook County enforce the rule?
CCDPH Food Protection inspectors check menus and drive-through boards during routine retail food inspections at qualifying chains. Missing calorie disclosures result in citations and reinspection requirements until compliance is verified.
Did Illinois pass added-sugar warning labels?
No. Unlike California's AB-1100, Illinois has not enacted statewide added-sugar warnings on prepackaged beverages. Federal Nutrition Facts labeling on packaged foods still applies and is enforced by FDA, not Cook County DPH.
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