California Bill SB 68 Mandates Allergen Disclosures on Restaurant Menus by July 2026

California's Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), known as the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act, is set to require restaurants across the state to provide written notification of major food allergens in their menu items by July 1, 2026. This legislative push aims to enhance food safety for millions of Californians with food allergies, though it faces opposition from some in the restaurant industry concerned about the practical and financial implications.

The bill mandates that restaurants disclose the nine most common food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans. This information can be provided directly on physical menus, through digital formats like QR codes linking to online menus, or via alternative methods such as separate allergen-specific menus or charts. The legislation applies to large, medium, small chain, and independent restaurants, but exempts compact mobile food operations.

Proponents of SB 68 emphasize its critical role in protecting individuals with severe food allergies. State Senator Caroline Menjivar, the bill's author, who herself has severe food allergies, stated, "It's really to protect the millions of people in California who have allergies like me." Advocates like 17-year-old Braxton Kimura and 9-year-old Addie Lao, both living with significant food allergies, have shared personal experiences highlighting the stress and danger of dining out without clear allergen information. Organizations such as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) support the bill, noting that an estimated 33 million Americans, including nearly 4 million Californians, have at least one food allergy.

However, the bill has drawn criticism from some in the restaurant sector. Chef Andrew Gruel, in a recent tweet, voiced strong opposition, stating, "California's SB 68, mandates allergen disclosures on restaurant menus by July 2026. This burdens small businesses with costly menu redesigns and analysis without addressing cross-contamination risks. I oppose this bill, as it may mislead diners and strain local eateries." The California Restaurant Association (CRA) echoes these concerns, citing increased costs, logistical burdens, and the impracticality of constantly updating menus with ingredient shifts. The CRA argues for more flexibility in disclosure methods and greater liability protections for restaurants.

Despite these concerns, supporters maintain that the updated bill, which includes amendments for digital disclosure flexibility, balances the needs of consumers and businesses. They assert that the legislation will significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions, positioning California as a leader in food allergy protections, similar to standards already in place in Europe.