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.
Federal FDA Menu Labeling Rule under 21 CFR 101.11, effective May 2018, applies to restaurants and similar retail food establishments with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name. Covered chains must post calorie counts on menus, menu boards, and self-service displays, plus make full nutrition information available on request. Chicago does not impose additional local labeling beyond federal law. CDPH sanitarians integrate calorie-label checks into routine MCC 7-38 restaurant inspections, citing chain locations that fail to display required labels. Independent restaurants and chains with fewer than 20 locations remain exempt. Chicago's separate Sweetened Beverage Warning ordinance considered in 2018 was not enacted.
Failing to post calorie counts at a covered chain location violates 21 CFR 101.11 and triggers FDA warning letters; CDPH adds local MCC 7-38 inspection points and may issue fines of $250 to $500 per inspection cycle alongside federal action.
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See how Chicago's calorie labeling rules stack up against other locations.
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