Menu Labeling Law Information

(California SB 1420)

New Law Helps Consumers Make Healthier Food Choices - On July 1, 2009 California became the first state in the nation to adopt a statewide menu labeling ordinance (SB 1420) requiring restaurants to provide consumers with nutritional information or calorie content for all standard menu items prepared and sold at their establishment.

SB 1420 applies to chain restaurants with 20 or more locations in California.  It is estimated that over 17,000 establishments throughout the state will be affected.

In order to coincide with the January 1, 2011 Trans Fat ban, menu labeling regulations will be implemented in two phases.

• Phase I (July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010): Restaurants must provide a brochure placed at the point of sale that includes calories content, sodium, saturated fat, and carbohydrates for all standard menu items. For sit-down restaurants, the information must be provided at the table. (Or, restaurants can comply with the Phase II requirements now.) Drive-thrus are required to have the brochures available upon request.
• Phase II (Beginning January 1, 2011): Calorie content must be listed on menus and menu boards next to the standard menu item. Drive-thrus shall continue to have a brochure available upon request.

The new law will help consumers make more informed, healthier choices. For more information view the EMD Compliance Assistance Bulletin Menu Labeling Fact Sheet or visit the following:

California SB 1420 Menu Labeling Information:

• Text of Senate Bill SB 1420
• SB 1420 Fact Sheet
• SB 1420 Signed Into Law Announcement
• SB 1420 Approved by Senate Announcement

• California Center for Public Health Advocacy - Menu Labeling
• CCDEH California Menu Labeling Guidelines   Updated 07/10/2009
• Menu Labeling Stakeholder Committee:
  Members of the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and other industry representatives have worked together to review, provide comment, and offer suggestions for implementing menu labeling regulations set forth in SB 1420. The stakeholder committees began meeting regularly in March 2009 and will continue to meet, as needed.
  
• SB 1420 Stakeholder Notification Letter

• Sacramento County Restaurant List  Updated 08/04/2009
  Sacramento County chain restaurant list is being developed in coordination with local jurisdictions throughout the state.  Contact the Environmental Health Division (EHD) at 916-875-8440 if you feel your establishment does not meet the definition of a chain facility.

• Nutritional Information Calculator (SparkRecipes)
• Sacramento County Press Release: Chain Restaurants to Provide Nutritional Information Starting July 1, 2009

Media Coverage of new Menu Labeling Law:

• http://www.kcra.com/news/20001824/detail.html
• http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1279130.html
• http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/health/childhoodobesity/quiz/

Power Point Presentations:

• Menu Labeling Staff Introduction
  Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)   Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)    Internet Explorer (.html) 
• Menu Labeling Staff Training
  Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)   Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)    Internet Explorer (.html) 

Contact us:

If you have questions or comments regarding menu labeling regulations, contact the EMD Environmental Health Division at 916-875-8440 during normal business hours.