California is the First in the Nation to Require Allergen Disclosures on Restaurant Menus With SB 68

SACRAMENTO - Today, Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) released the following statement after Governor Newsom signed the first-in-the-nation legislation she authored, Senate Bill 68 - Allergen Disclosures for Dining Experiences (ADDE).

“When 9-year-old Addie presented the idea of a menu allergen disclosure bill to me, I couldn’t believe that I, a person who has been hospitalized multiple times after unintentionally eating food I am allergic to at restaurants, had not thought to author this bill already. Now, with the Governor’s signature on SB 68, California is the first state in the nation to require lifesaving allergen disclosures on menus at food facilities with 20 locations and more!

I know the 4 million Californians with food allergies, and their families, will enjoy the increased peace of mind as they dine together at these qualifying restaurants. After the bill goes into effect on July 1, 2026, I hope Addie and I can meet up for a meal to see the culmination of our efforts right there in black and white on the menu!”

SB 68 requires a food facility, with 20 locations and above, to include on its menus written notification of the top nine major food allergens contained as an ingredient in each menu item. This should be available either directly on the food facility’s menu or in a digital format. If they opt for a digital version, it should also be provided in an alternative format for individuals who don’t have access to technology. The allergens include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans and must be listed using their common name.

###