UKH calls for delay to mandatory calorie labelling
The body has claimed that the additional costs could negatively impact the hospitality industry’s road to recovery
UKHospitality has called upon the Government to stall its plans for mandatory calorie labelling on menus in the out of home sector.
The body has claimed that the additional costs could negatively impact the hospitality industry’s road to recovery, adding that the timeframe will “badly damage” the sector.
While the calorie labelling rules are set to commence in April 2022, the association has written to Jo Churchill MP, public health minister, urging for a six-month delay to the plans.
The rules will apply to businesses with over 250 employees, and according to UKHospitality, will cost affected firms “millions of pounds” via additional requirements and staff training.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive at the organisation, said: “The vast majority of operators are in survival mode and will be for the foreseeable future.
“We therefore urge the Government to consider delaying the implementation of this legislation rather than layering on new costs for businesses in a sector that has been hardest hit by the pandemic and risks damaging business’ ability to invest and create jobs.”
She added: “The out-of-home sector supports Government efforts to increase healthier eating habits, as demonstrated by the proactive actions already in reformulating menus to reduce calories and increase transparency and choice for customers.
“But with the burdensome requirements of allergen labelling for pre-packed food also coming into effect in October this year, this new legislation adds further costs at the worst possible time.”
