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.
Federal menu-labeling rules at 21 CFR §101.11, implementing Section 4205 of the Affordable Care Act, require restaurants and similar retail food establishments that are part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing substantially the same business to post calorie counts on menus, menu boards, and drive-through displays. Additional written nutrition information must be available on request. Illinois has not enacted a separate state menu-labeling law beyond the federal rule. Cook County DPH Food Protection inspectors check calorie disclosure during routine retail food inspections at qualifying chains in contracting suburban municipalities. The City of Chicago is enforced by CDPH separately. Independent restaurants and small chains under 20 locations remain exempt.
FDA may issue federal warning letters; CCDPH inspectors flag missing calorie disclosures during retail food inspections, requiring correction by reinspection. Repeated noncompliance can result in administrative fines and impacts the priority foundation violation count on inspection reports.
See how Evanston's calorie labeling rules stack up against other locations.
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