A regulation mandating that large restaurant chains clearly list allergen information on their menus officially took effect in California on July 1. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 68 or the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act, targets establishments with 20 or more locations nationwide, provided at least one branch operates within the state. Major chains such as Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, and Chili’s are among those impacted by the new rules.
Under the law, qualifying restaurants must disclose the presence of the "Big 9" allergens in their menu items. These nine substances, as recognized by the USDA, include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. Establishments have several options for providing this information. They may list the details directly on printed menus, display them via digital QR codes, or provide written materials such as allergen charts or booklets.
The law includes specific requirements for digital disclosures. If a restaurant chooses to share allergen data through a digital method like a QR code, it must also maintain a written, non-digital alternative for customers who do not have access to mobile internet. The disclosure requirements also extend to third-party delivery platforms, including DoorDash and Uber Eats, ensuring that customers ordering for delivery receive the same allergen information.
Within the disclosure materials, allergens must be identified by their common names or illustrated using standardized pictograms to prevent confusion. The law outlines penalties for non-compliance, with fines ranging from $500 to $2,500 per offense. Repeated violations could potentially jeopardize a restaurant’s operating permits.
The legislation was originally proposed by California Senator Caroline Menjivar. The idea was presented by Addie Lao, a 10-year-old girl, and her mother, Robyn Lao, both of whom suffer from severe food allergies. Senator Menjivar stated in a press release that the law aims to provide peace of mind for the approximately 4 million Californians with food allergies and their families.
