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| The local government of Quezon City explains the importance of its new Quezon City Calorie Labeling Policy for residents, businesses, and the entire community. Starting December 2025, restaurants and fast food chains with more than five branches in Quezon City will include calorie counts on their menus. The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the policy have been signed, requiring food establishments to display the calorie content of each menu item. (Photo by QC PAISD) |
by: Alice Sicat
Starting December 2025, dining in Quezon City will come with more than just great flavors—it will also bring greater awareness about the food being served.
A new ordinance requires restaurants to display calorie counts on their menus, helping customers make informed food choices.
Imagine sitting at your favorite restaurant, scanning the menu, and seeing the calorie count right next to the price. Suddenly, deciding between that double-patty burger and a lighter option becomes easier. This move aims to empower diners with knowledge, not restrictions.
Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) Head Dr. Ramona Asuncion DG Abarquez said that the new rule will roll out in three phases:
- December 2025: Restaurants with five or more branches in QC must display calorie counts.
- December 2026: Restaurants with two or more branches must comply.
- December 2027: All food establishments in the city will be covered.
However, small vendors, hawkers, and carinderias are exempted from this requirement.
To help restaurants adjust, the local government will provide training on calculating and displaying calorie content. Businesses won’t be left to figure it out alone—guidance and tools will be available to make compliance smooth and efficient, the QCHD noted.
Health and advocacy groups strongly support the said initiative. Their goal is to reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity by giving people better access to nutritional information.
For many, calorie counts might change the way they order. If a meal turns out to be higher in calories than expected, customers can balance their choices accordingly. The goal isn’t to dictate what people eat but to provide them with the facts, they said.
Quezon City is taking a major step toward healthier, more informed dining citizens. Soon, choosing a meal won’t just be about taste—it’ll also be about making choices that fit personal health goals, the QCHD said. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
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