Major restaurant chains operating in California, including Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse, must implement new menu labeling requirements beginning July 1. The Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act, also known as Senate Bill 68, mandates that restaurants with 20 or more locations nationwide, and at least one location in California, explicitly state whether menu items contain any of the nine major food allergens. These allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
The law aims to protect the millions of Californians living with food allergies. Senator Caroline Menjivar, who authored the legislation, described it as "lifesaving."
Restaurants are required to provide this allergen information on all physical and digital menus. This includes third-party delivery applications, kiosks, and drive-thru boards. Chains can choose to print the allergen data directly beneath the dish descriptions or provide a scannable QR code. If a digital method is used, establishments must also offer a physical backup booklet or a separate allergen menu for customers without smartphones.
This legislation represents a significant change for national restaurant chains, requiring them to overhaul their menu design and information systems to comply with the new state regulations before the July 1 deadline.