The Government is drawing up plans that would require restaurants to monitor and report what their customers eat as part of efforts to combat obesity.
Large restaurant chains and fast food establishments are expected to face mandatory reporting requirements on the average calorie consumption of their diners.
The measures form part of a wider obesity strategy unveiled by the Government over the weekend.
While specific regulations for restaurants remain undecided, they are anticipated to reflect similar rules being imposed on supermarkets, which must reduce the average shopping basket by 100 calories.
The Government is drawing up plans that would require restaurants to monitor and report what their customers eat as part of efforts to combat obesity (stock image)
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Restaurant industry leaders expect to disclose sales data on foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, with Government-set targets for reducing calories, fat, salt, or sugar likely to follow.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said the industry had been "totally blindsided" by the plans.
She warned that the proposals would lead to higher prices in restaurant chains, given the "significant volumes of bureaucracy" involved.
Nicholls urged ministers to engage with hospitality bosses, she said: "This is really wide-ranging in scope. We really need the Government to start talking to the hospitality sector, not excluding it from these discussions, to make sure that we get the details right."
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The measures form part of a wider obesity strategy unveiled by the Government at the weekend
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She added: "We've yet to understand how mandatory reporting and targets would change the obesity situation in the UK."
The proposals on rules being imposed on supermarkets have been branded "nanny state" measures by senior retail figures and Andrew Griffith, the Shadow Business Secretary.
The new requirements come as the hospitality sector continues to struggle with rising costs and recent tax increases.
UKHospitality estimates that October's Budget, which raised employer National Insurance contributions and lowered payment thresholds, has added £3.4billion in annual costs to the industry.
The proposals on rules being imposed on supermarkets have been branded 'nanny state' measures by Andrew Griffith
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Many pub and restaurant companies have already halted investments and recruitment since the Budget changes took effect in April.
Others have cut jobs to reduce expenses.
It remains unclear which establishments will fall under the new rules, as ministers have yet to determine the size threshold for compliance.
Currently, restaurant and pub groups employing over 250 people must display calorie information on menus under legislation introduced by Boris Johnson.
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