California is implementing a new law that will require large restaurant chains to disclose major allergen information directly on their menus, starting July 1. The legislation, known as the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act, or Senate Bill 68, is the first of its kind in the United States and is intended to enhance safety for the state's significant population of individuals with food allergies.
The law applies to restaurant chains with 20 or more locations nationwide, provided they operate at least one establishment in California. These businesses must now indicate whether menu items contain any of the nine major allergens identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
The allergen information will be made available through all ordering channels, including printed menus, digital displays, online platforms, and kiosks. Smaller restaurants and food trucks are exempt from these requirements.
Caroline Menjivar, the Democratic author of the bill, stated that the legislation was partly inspired by her own experience with food allergies. Her office estimates that nearly four million California residents have potentially life-threatening food allergies, while federal data suggests that food allergies affect approximately 8% of U.S. children. "California will once again lead the nation by becoming the first state to mandate allergens be listed on menus for food facilities with 20 locations and above," Menjivar said.
While the law mandates disclosure of intentionally included allergens, it does not require restaurants to warn about potential cross-contact issues stemming from shared cooking equipment or preparation areas. Restaurants can provide allergen details via QR codes or digital menus, but a written version must also be available for those unable to access digital information.
Many of the affected restaurant chains already provide some form of allergen information. For example, Outback Steakhouse offers an online allergen guide, and Olive Garden lists allergy details on its website. Both chains, like many others, advise customers with severe allergies to inform their server or a manager so kitchen staff can take additional precautions. Olive Garden's website notes that while managers receive food safety training on allergies, the restaurant cannot guarantee any item is completely free of allergens due to its non-allergen-free facility status.
Proponents of the law hope it will serve as a model for other states to adopt similar legislation, aiming to create a safer dining environment nationwide. Some consumer advocates and individuals with allergies have expressed support, noting that some European countries have long-standing practices of providing allergen keys on menus.