Andromeda POS

Calorie Information and Why its Important to beCompliant

 

Introduction

As a takeaway restaurant owner in the UK, you are likely aware of the importance of providing your customers with accurate and comprehensive information about the food you serve. One of the most critical pieces of information that you must provide is the calorie content of your dishes. In this article, we will explore why calorie information is so important and why it is crucial to be compliant with the regulations surrounding it.

Why is Calorie Information Important?

Calorie information is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps customers make informed decisions about what they eat. Many people are now more health-conscious and want to know what they are consuming. By providing calorie information, you are giving your customers the tools they need to make healthier choices.

Secondly, calorie information can help you attract more customers. Many people are looking for healthier options when eating out, and by providing calorie information, you are showing that you care about your customers’ health and wellbeing. This can help you stand out from your competitors and attract more health-conscious customers.

Finally, providing calorie information can help you comply with the law. In 2014, the UK government introduced regulations that require all food businesses with more than 250 employees to provide calorie information on their menus. This law was extended in 2018 to include all food businesses, regardless of size. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and damage to your reputation.

How to be Compliant

To be compliant with the regulations surrounding calorie information, you must provide accurate and comprehensive information about the calorie content of your dishes. This information must be displayed clearly and prominently on your menus, either next to the dish or in a separate section.

You must also provide calorie information for all dishes, including sides, desserts, and drinks. If you offer a range of options for a particular dish, such as different sizes or toppings, you must provide calorie information for each option.

It is also essential to keep your calorie information up to date. If you change the recipe for a dish, you must update the calorie information accordingly. Failure to do so can result in inaccurate information being provided to your customers, which can lead to health problems and damage to your reputation.

Case Studies

Several food businesses have already been fined for failing to comply with the regulations surrounding calorie information. In 2019, a pizza chain was fined £12,000 for failing to provide accurate calorie information on its menus. The chain had failed to include the calorie content of its pizzas’ toppings, which meant that customers were not getting the full picture of the calorie content of their meals.

In another case, a sandwich chain was fined £23,000 for failing to provide calorie information for its sandwiches. The chain had claimed that its sandwiches were healthy, but without calorie information, customers had no way of knowing whether this was true.

Conclusion

Providing accurate and comprehensive calorie information is essential for takeaway restaurant owners in the UK. It helps customers make informed decisions about what they eat, attracts more health-conscious customers, and helps you comply with the law. By following the regulations surrounding calorie information, you can avoid fines and damage to your reputation and show your customers that you care about their health and wellbeing.