Imposing new Calorie labelling legislation 'couldn't be worse timing' for hospitality sector

International law firm RPC warns change could place increased financial burden on businesses only just beginning to recover from pandemic disruption

Commenting on the new Calorie Labelling Regulations, which are due to be introduced on Wednesday, 6 April (tomorrow), RPC partner Ben Mark, co-head of RPC's Food & Drink Group, said:

"The intention behind this new regime is to help consumers make better informed and healthier food choices, which in turn will lighten the burden placed on the NHS by rising obesity rates and obesity-related health conditions.

"While the introduction of mandatory calorie labelling is well-intentioned, it should not be overlooked that the timing of these changes could not be worse for the hospitality sector, which is only just beginning to recover from a fractious two years of lockdown and social distancing measures. 

"It may seem like an insignificant change, but even updating menus and signage with the newly-regulated information could present already-struggling businesses with an increased financial and administrative burden at a time when operating costs are rising overall."