Calories on Menus
As of January 1, 2017, all food-service chains with 20 or more locations in Ontario must post the number of calories in the food and drink items on their menus or on display. This is part of the Healthy Menu Choices Act, 2015. This means you can see the number of calories posted at places such as:
- fast-food restaurants
- restaurants
- coffee shops
- grocery and convenience stores
- movie theatres
What menus tell you
Menus now provide the number of calories you get from each of the standard food or drink items that are sold. You’ll find calories below, beside or above the name or price of each standard food item on the menu.
A standard food item is a restaurant-type food or drink that:
- is sold in a standard or regular size
- is served, processed and/or prepared in a regulated location
- is meant to be eaten/drank right away, with no further preparation by the customer
The number of calories will appear on menus, menu boards, tags or labels, and signs.
The menus will also list the recommended daily amount of calories for adults. This amount is only a general guide – individual needs can vary. You can use Canada’s Food Guide to get an idea of the number of calories you need in a day.
How the act is enforced
Inspectors from local public health units will visit all businesses covered by the law, and will also respond to any complaints about a business not following the law. This could lead to education, a warning, and then a fine if they continue not to follow the law.
What calories measure
We need calories every day to fuel our basic body functions and physical activity. We eat and drink to get this energy, which is measured in calories. Knowing how many calories are in our food and drinks is part of getting the right amount of energy we need every day.
Where to find more information
To learn more about this legislation, please visit ontario.ca/CaloriesOnMenus or send any questions you may have to [email protected].