Montgomery County, MD Public Health Rules: Calorie Labeling (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- chains with 20+ US locations
- Requirement
- post calories on menus/boards
- Exempt
- grocery, convenience, movie theaters
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine (Class A violation)
- Enforced by
- Dept. of Health, via § 15-3 inspections
Summary
Chain restaurants with 20+ U.S. locations must post calorie counts on every menu and menu board under County Code § 15-15A, with full nutrition data available in writing on request.
This Section applies to an eating or drinking establishment that is part of a chain with at least 20 locations in the United States and that: (A) does business under the same trade name...; and (B) offers substantially the same menu items....An eating and drinking establishment must post the number of calories, calculated according to applicable federal law, for any standardized menu item on each menu or menu board adjacent to the name of that item.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County Code § 15-15A requires any eating or drinking establishment that is part of a chain with at least 20 U.S. locations operating under the same trade name and offering substantially the same menu to post calorie counts next to each standardized menu item on menus and menu boards. Self-service items like salad bars and buffets need a posted sign with calories per serving. Establishments must also make full nutrition data (fat, sodium, carbs, sugars, protein) available in writing on request and post a suggested daily caloric intake statement. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and movie theaters are exempt. The Department of Health verifies posting during routine Section 15-3 inspections.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of Chapter 15, including § 15-15A, is a Class A violation under § 15-7: up to a $1,000 criminal fine or a $500 civil penalty ($750 for a repeat offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants must post calories in Montgomery County?
Does the county verify the calorie numbers are accurate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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