California Restaurants to Display Food Allergens on Menus
California’s Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act (ADDE) has officially gone into effect, requiring restaurants and food service establishments with 20 or more locations across the country to clearly list major allergens on the menu. This law makes California the first state in the country to require the summary.
Requirements for Restaurants
Restaurants must provide a written notice of the major food allergens that the food establishment knows or reasonably should know is present as an ingredient in each menu item, either directly on the menu or in a digital format. The law requires all known allergens to be listed in the description of each dish or via a QR code that customers can scan. Especially, the “Big 9” of the most important food allergens must be listed: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
Implementation and Inspiration
Restaurant chains have until July 1, 2026, to implement the new changes and expand menus. The ADDE was inspired by and named after Addie Lao, a 9-year-old who advocates for the law alongside her mother, Robyn Lao. Addie, who is allergic to dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, explained that she came up with the idea for the bill after eating at a restaurant that voluntarily displayed allergens, and she thought it should be a requirement for all restaurants.
Importance of the Law
“The ADDE law is so important so adults and children like me can eat safely,” Addie said. “I learned that I could make a big difference even as a child.” According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), an estimated 33 million Americans suffer from at least one food allergy, affecting approximately one in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children. California State Senator Caroline Menjivar said, “Soon the millions of Californians with food allergies, including many young children, will be able to enjoy dining out at these qualified restaurants without fear or concern.”
Impact on Restaurants
However, the California Restaurant Association has previously argued that the new law will be a burden for some businesses, suggesting it could lead to "predatory laws." The association’s CEO, Jot Condie, said, “We continue to assess the impact on our members who are still subject to the proposed law and will work with them to determine whether a change in position is warranted.” Meanwhile, FARE said the bill was a “significant step” to protect people with food allergies.
