California Passes First Statewide Allergen Menu Disclosure Law - What It Means for Restaurants
California has officially passed the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act (SB-68) — the first law in the U.S. requiring restaurant chains to clearly list major food allergens on their menus. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill on October 13, 2025, following strong bipartisan support and advocacy from public-health groups (California Legislative Information, CalMatters).
The new law, which takes effect July 1, 2026, applies to restaurant chains with 20 or more U.S. locations. These restaurants will be required to provide written notification of the “Top 9” allergens — milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame — for every standard menu item (SB-68 Bill Text, FARE).
Menus may include allergen information directly on printed pages or link digitally via QR codes. If a digital format is used, a printed or in-store version must also be available for accessibility (California Legislative Information). Food trucks and other temporary vendors are exempt.
Why It Matters
For diners, this is a major step toward safer, more confident eating experiences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 32 million Americans have food allergies, and nearly a quarter of allergic reactions occur in restaurants. Miscommunication about ingredients remains one of the top causes of severe reactions (CDC, FARE).
For restaurants, the law brings new compliance responsibilities — but also opportunity. Clear allergen information helps prevent misunderstandings, reduces legal risk, and builds loyalty among a growing base of health-conscious guests. Operators worry about the cost of updating menus, yet others see this as the next evolution in hospitality: transparency as trust (CalMatters) (San Francisco Chronicle)
How Restaurants Can Prepare
Audit recipes and suppliers. Identify where each of the Top 9 allergens appear.
Choose your disclosure method. Printed menus, digital QR codes, or both — make sure information stays accurate.
Train your team. Consistent communication about allergens and cross-contact will be key.
Update internal systems. Keep ingredient data organized and easy to maintain as recipes evolve.
Tell your guests. Sharing your allergen-friendly approach can set your restaurant apart.
Where Tummy Fits In
Tummy was built to make transparency simple. We help restaurants organize ingredient and allergen information in one place, so guests can easily find what fits their needs. You stay in control of your menu — and protect your business while earning customer trust.
Sources
California Legislative Information – SB-68 Bill Text (2025)
CalMatters – “California Passes First Statewide Allergen Menu Law” (2025)
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) – “Food Allergy Facts and Statistics” (2025)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “Food Allergies in the U.S.” (2024)
San Francisco Chronicle – “California Restaurants Face New Rules for Menu Allergen Disclosure” (2025)