New California legislation will require large restaurant chains (with 20 or more locations) to disclose major food allergens on their menus. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, will go into effect in 2026 and asks businesses to include information about allergens such as milk, eggs, shellfish and tree nuts, as long as they “know or reasonably should know” that they are present in food.
The rule seeks to ensure that millions of Californians, including children, can eat out “without fear or apprehension,” in addition to encouraging the recurrence of allergic customers, explained Senator Caroline Menjivar, who was inspired by her own severe allergies to defend the new law.
It is important to note that large chains often already have internal protocols; making this information explicit and mandatory on menus raises the transparency of “know or reasonably should know” to a legally enforceable standard.
This is key, as it moves the burden of safety from a customer request to an establishment obligation, empowering consumers with allergies.
Restaurant owners fear predatory lawsuits
Although it is an advance in the transparency of the ingredients with which food is prepared, the California Restaurant Association (CRA), cited by AP, fears that the law will be “expensive and burdensome.” Among other things, due to possible “predatory lawsuits” against businesses, although he welcomes the fact that small restaurants have been exempted.
The new legislation has the support of the organization Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and considers it a “significant step” for the protection of people with allergies.
While child advocate Addie Lao highlighted that it would allow him to eat out more easily, alleviating concerns about foods that are “like poison” to his body.
What you should know about the California Menu Allergen Law (SB 68)
This law could, over time, spur innovation in ingredient management. Most crucially, it will generate absolute loyalty from allergen families, who are often reluctant to experiment with new restaurants.
- Official Name: Senate Bill 68 (SB 68).
- Entry into force: July 1, 2026.
- Purpose: Force large restaurant chains to disclose the main allergens on their menus.
- Range: Applies to food establishments with 20 or more branches.
- Allergens Included (9): Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish (crustaceans), nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame and soy.
- Key Requirement: Written notification of the allergens present as an ingredient in each dish.
- Display Options: It can be on the physical menu or in digital format, but there must be an alternative available for people without access to technology.
This is the first law of its kind in the United States requiring allergen labeling directly on restaurant menus.
The real impact is to protect nearly 4 million Californians with allergies, inspired by regulations in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Keep reading: