Compliance With England’s Calorie Labeling Regulations 3 Years After Policy Implementation

We examined compliance with England’s calorie labeling regulations, which require large out-of-home food businesses to display the calories of prepared food and drink at the point of choice, such as menus. By using website data from large out-of-home food businesses, we found that all businesses (n = 77) provided calorie labeling somewhere on their websites. However, fewer than half (48%; n = 37) did not provide calorie labels on the default menu (ie, the first menu that a consumer is likely to see). Compliance with the policy’s implementation guidance was greatest for the label’s position (81%; n = 62) and lowest for prominent formatting (40%; n = 31), while 71% (n = 55) of businesses provided the statement of daily calorie needs. We observed differences among types of out-of-home food businesses, but we did not test them because of the small sample size. Our results suggest imperfect adherence to England’s calorie labeling regulations, thus undermining the policy’s impact. As the policy’s review approaches, policy makers should consider strategies for ensuring compliance.