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California Becomes First State to Mandate Allergen Labeling on Restaurant Menus

California has officially passed SB 68, the ADDE Menu Act, making it the first U.S. state to require restaurants to label major food allergens directly on menus. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, for large chains.

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California has made history by passing Senate Bill 68 (SB 68)—also known as the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act—which requires restaurants to clearly label the presence of major food allergens on their menus. Signed into law in October 2025, the legislation positions California as the first state in the U.S. to implement such a mandate.

The law is a response to growing concerns from the food allergy community, where accidental exposure to allergens like peanuts, shellfish, or dairy can lead to severe or even life-threatening reactions. While packaged foods have long been required to disclose allergens, restaurant meals have remained a gray area—until now.

What the Law Requires

Starting July 1, 2026, the law will apply to:

  • Restaurants with 20 or more locations nationwide, including at least one in California
  • Both physical and digital menus, including in-store boards, printed menus, and online ordering platforms
  • Disclosure of the Top 9 allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame

Restaurants must indicate which menu items contain any of these allergens, using clear and consistent labeling. The law also encourages staff training and improved communication between kitchen teams and front-of-house staff.

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Why It Matters

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), food allergies affect over 33 million Americans, including 1 in 13 children. Advocates say this law is a critical step toward safer dining experiences and could serve as a model for other states.

AAFA President Kenneth Mendez praised the legislation, stating:

“This simple menu disclosure requirement can prevent potentially dangerous allergic reactions and save lives.”

Industry Response

While the law has been widely applauded by health advocates and families, it has also faced pushback from some restaurant industry groups, who raised concerns about implementation costs and liability. In response, the final version of the bill includes flexibility for how allergens are disclosed, allowing for icons, footnotes, or written statements.

Still, many large chains—already accustomed to calorie labeling and nutritional disclosures—are expected to adapt quickly.

California’s move could pave the way for nationwide allergen labeling standards in restaurants. Several advocacy groups are now urging the FDA to consider similar federal regulations, while other states watch closely to see how the rollout unfolds.

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