Calorie labelling rules to come into force at ‘very challenging time’

As of April 2022, businesses with more than 250 employees will be required to display calorie content for food and drinks under 1.2% ABV under the Calorie Labelling (Out of Home Sector) (England) Regulations 2021.

The new regulations are due to come into force at a particularly difficult time for the sector, with VAT also set to rise from 12.5% to 20% in April, and so the trade body has called for a delay in their enforcement.

Very challenging time 

UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “These new rules come into force at a very challenging time for our industry.

“Not only are businesses battling a workforce crisis and operating cost pressures, at the same time as managing crippling debt levels and depleted cash reserves, this April will see the triple whammy of a rise in VAT, business rates, and labour costs.”

UKH has also compiled a new document detailing guidance for all hospitality business which will be affected.

The document, compiled by UKH in conjunction with the UKH Nutrition Group, has set out a summary of the legislation as well as answers to frequently asked questions, such as which foods and businesses are exempt; how will the legislation affect franchised businesses and tied pubs; what calorie information must be shown.

Ensuring the sector is prepared 

It has also detailed examples of food and meals which will require calorie information to be displayed as well as how to do this, and the document is expected to be updated on a rolling basis, as additional details and queries emerge.

Nicholls added: “While working to ensure the sector is prepared and able to comply with the new guidance, we at UKH are working hard to press the case for a delay in implementation and a light touch on enforcement of the rules post-April.”