Ahead of the extended deadline set by the Food and Drug Administration, Wegmans Food Market rolled out its initiative to post visible calorie information for prepared items on labels and menu boards.

"Our company has always believed that customers have a right to product information and this FDA regulation is in keeping with steps we’ve already taken at our own initiative,” said Wegmans Nutrition and Product Labeling Manager Jane Andrews. “We want to give customers tools they can use to make informed decisions about what they’ll eat and what’s the right portion size for them personally.”

As the company works toward full compliance with the FDA regulation, customers can already find calorie counts in many places around Wegmans locations. Menu boards in the Pizza Shop and The Buzz coffee bar were completed by May 5, as were signs in the bakery near bulk items like muffins, bagels and donuts. Also completed are signs near self-serve hot and cold food bars and package labels for grab-and-go fresh items like sushi, salads, soups and sandwiches.

“We’re finding that calorie information can be a conversation starter helping people to become more aware,” Andrews says. “A customer may notice, for example, that the meatball sub has more calories than a turkey sub, and use that knowledge to inform their choice of side. Or a customer may want something from the Bakery to go along with the coffee she’s ordering, and use the calorie information to help her decide whether to have a mini-scone, a muffin, or bagel.”