California food chains must post menu allergen warnings starting July 1

Key Points:

• Starting July 1, California's Senate Bill 68 mandates major restaurant chains with 20 or more locations to disclose the presence of the nine major food allergens on their menus, either in print or digitally, with a written alternative for those without electronic access.
• The law covers allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame, and applies to all customer-facing ordering platforms such as menu boards, kiosks, websites, and mobile apps.
• Exemptions include compact mobile food facilities, non-permanent food facilities, and certain limited-time menu specials; the law builds on existing federal menu-labeling requirements.
• The legislation, authored by State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, was inspired by her personal experience with severe food allergies and aims to enhance dining safety for nearly 4 million Californians with life-threatening allergies.
• The California Restaurant Association and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America support the law, highlighting its potential to improve public health and boost consumer confidence, making California the first U.S. state to implement such comprehensive allergen disclosure requirements.