Restaurant Nutritional Testing

Passed into law on March 23, 2010, as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Nutrition Labeling of Standard Menu Items at Chain Restaurants (Sec - 4205) establishes new regulations regarding mandated labeling requirements. Under this provision of the Act, restaurants and similar retail food establishments with at least 20 or more locations are required to provide "clear and conspicuous information" to consumers that:

1. Declare the number of calories each standard menu item provides as it is typically prepared and present required calorie information in terms of suggested caloric intake in the context of an overall diet.

2. Provide additional nutrition information upon consumer request. This information must include: Macronutrients per serving size or other unit of measure: calories, calories from fat, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fiber, and protein. Statements must appear on the establishment's menu and menu board informing consumers of the availability of this additional information.

As part of a "Nutrition Awareness Program" with National Restaurant Association Solutions (LLC), Silliker offers expert laboratory, technical, and information services to help companies comply with these requirements. Our chemists and R&D professionals can help you substantiate your nutrition claims, address analytical challenges posed by variables in your menu item preparation, and, if necessary, reformulate menu items to align with healthy eating lifestyles.

Our laboratories are ISO accredited for all mandatory nutritional analyses. Moreover, each analysis is validated by an extensive internal quality system that incorporates internal control samples, external control matrices, and proficiency programs. Our prompt and professional services include:

• Analytical Nutrient Testing – We provide expert analysis for requested nutrients plus a calculated serving size based on up to 12 individual menu items, as well as a customized report, either in a spreadsheet or in a retail ready label format.
• Database Recipe Analysis – Silliker employs the Genesis SQL program from ESHA Research as our database information supplier.
• Technical Consultation and Support – Through an initial consultation, we can advise you on menu items that can be accurately analyzed via databases and those which require analytical testing. We also provide ingredient reviews for the proper declaration of allergens per FALCPA requirements, government liaison and nutrient claims review.
• Nutrient Content Reviews – Our skilled professionals can evaluate your menu for regulated components under the new legislation.

Resources:

• Contact us to learn more about our restaurant nutritional services.
• Request Silliker Restaurant Nutritional Service Pricing.
• Silliker press release: "National Restaurant Association and Silliker Partner on New Nutrition Awareness Efforts" July 13, 2010
• NRA press release: "Nutrition Analysis Tools Will Help National Restaurant Association Members Enhance Menus" July 13, 2010
  
  Return to Top