Calorie Labeling: Deer Park vs Houston
How do calorie labeling rules compare between Deer Park, TX and Houston, TX?
Deer Park and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Deer Park, TX
Harris County
Federal regulation 21 CFR 101.11 requires chain restaurants with twenty or more locations to post calorie counts. Harris County does not add local rules; HCPH may flag missing disclosures during food inspections in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
View full Deer Park rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Calorie labeling on menus in Houston is governed by federal FDA rules under 21 CFR §101.11, requiring chains with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts. Texas and Houston have no separate municipal menu-labeling ordinance.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Deer Park | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Federal rule | 21 CFR 101.11 | 21 CFR §101.11 |
| Threshold | Chains with 20+ locations | Chains with 20+ locations |
| County rule | None separate from federal | - |
| HCPH role | May flag during inspection | - |
| Enforcement | FDA primary | - |
| Required disclosure | - | Calories on menu boards |
| Texas preemption | - | H&S Code Chapter 437 |
| Local add-on | - | None Houston-specific |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Deer Park FAQ
Do small Harris County restaurants need calorie counts?
No. The federal rule applies only to chains with twenty or more US locations operating under the same name with substantially similar menus. Independent local restaurants are exempt unless they voluntarily comply.
How do I report a chain hiding calorie information?
Report to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator. HCPH may also note the issue during routine inspection and forward to FDA. Misleading claims may support a Texas DTPA complaint to the Attorney General.
Houston FAQ
Does my small Houston restaurant need calorie counts on the menu?
No. Federal calorie labeling applies only to chains with 20 or more locations doing substantially the same business. Independent operators and small chains are exempt from calorie posting.
Can Houston pass its own stricter calorie rule?
Generally no. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 preempts most local food retail regulations. Houston follows federal FDA standards rather than imposing additional municipal calorie or sugar warning labeling rules.
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