The California allergen menu law, SB 68, made California the first state to require chain restaurants to publish allergens for every standard menu item. Since July 1, 2026, chains with 20 or more locations must show which of the 9 major allergens are in each dish.
This guide explains what the law requires, which restaurants it covers, how allergens can be shown on printed and digital menus, and what it means when you eat out with a food allergy.
Looking for a specific chain? Open the restaurant allergen menu hub for 43 chain guides.
Overview
What is the California allergen menu law?
SB 68 in plain English
The California allergen menu law is Senate Bill 68, the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act. It requires restaurant chains with 20 or more locations to tell customers which of the 9 major food allergens are in each standard menu item, starting July 1, 2026.
SB 68 at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bill | Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) |
| Name | Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act |
| Signed | October 13, 2025, by Governor Gavin Newsom |
| In effect | July 1, 2026 |
| Covers | Restaurants in a chain of 20 or more locations |
| Allergens | The 9 major food allergens |
| Format | In writing on the menu, or digitally with a written copy on request |
| Part of | California Retail Food Code |
Allergens
Which allergens does the California allergen menu law cover?
The 9 major food allergens
The California allergen menu law covers the same 9 major food allergens as federal labeling law: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans and sesame.
Allergens covered by SB 68
| Allergen | Common restaurant sources |
|---|---|
| Milk | Cheese, butter, cream sauces, buns |
| Eggs | Mayo, dressings, batters |
| Fish | Fish fillets, Caesar dressing, fish sauce |
| Crustacean shellfish | Shrimp, crab, lobster |
| Tree nuts | Almonds, pecans, cashews, pesto |
| Wheat | Bread, tortillas, breading, pasta |
| Peanuts | Peanut sauces, peanut oil, desserts |
| Soybeans | Soy sauce, soybean oil, tofu |
| Sesame | Sesame buns, bagels, sesame oil |
Scope
Which restaurants must follow the California allergen menu law?
Chains, exemptions and locations
The California allergen menu law applies to food facilities that are part of a chain of 20 or more locations doing business under the same name with a substantially similar menu, which covers most national chains in California.
Who is covered
| Business | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Chain restaurants with 20 or more locations | Yes |
| Fast food and fast casual chains | Yes |
| Casual dining chains | Yes |
| Independent restaurants and small chains | No |
| Prepackaged food already labeled | No |
| Food trucks and carts (compact mobile food facilities) | No |
| Temporary event stands (nonpermanent food facilities) | No |
Sources describe the 20 location test in slightly different ways, so a chain near the line should read the bill text or ask its local environmental health agency.
Disclosure
How must restaurants show allergens under the California allergen menu law?
Printed menu, digital menu or QR code
Restaurants can list allergens in writing on the physical menu, or in a digital format such as a QR code or online menu, as long as a written version is available when a customer asks. Allergens can be shown by common name or with icons.
- 1
List each standard item
Every standard menu item needs its allergens shown.
- 2
Use common names or icons
Words like milk or peanuts, or clear pictograms.
- 3
Choose the format
Printed menu, menu board or a digital menu or QR code.
- 4
Keep a written copy
Digital menus need a written option on request.
- 5
Keep it current
Update the allergen menu when recipes change.
Chains
What does the California allergen menu law mean for diners?
Allergen menus from major chains
For diners, the California allergen menu law means every large chain in California now has to show allergens for its standard menu, so you can check before you order. Our guides summarize the allergen menu of each chain.
Popular guides: Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, Taco Bell, In-N-Out, Starbucks, Panda Express, Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, Jersey Mike's. See all 43 chains on the restaurant allergen menu hub.
The law does not promise that food is allergen free. Shared fryers, grills and prep areas still mean cross contact is possible, so always tell staff about your allergy.
Other laws
Do other states have restaurant allergen laws?
Federal and state rules
California is the first state to require a full allergen menu at chain restaurants. Federal law only covers packaged food, while states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Michigan require allergy notices and staff training instead of a full disclosure like the California allergen menu law.
Allergen rules beyond California
| Law | What it does |
|---|---|
| FALCPA (2004) | Allergen labels on packaged food |
| FASTER Act (2021) | Made sesame the 9th major allergen from 2023 |
| Massachusetts | Menu notice asking guests to share allergies, staff training |
| Rhode Island | Allergy notices and staff training |
| Michigan | Allergen awareness training for managers |
FAQ
California allergen menu law FAQs
Q1When does the California allergen menu law take effect?
SB 68 took effect on July 1, 2026. It was signed on October 13, 2025.
Q2Which restaurants does SB 68 apply to?
Restaurants that are part of a chain of 20 or more locations operating under the same name with a substantially similar menu.
Q3Can restaurants use a QR code for allergens?
Yes. A digital allergen menu or QR code is allowed if a written version is available when a customer asks.
Q4Which allergens must be disclosed?
Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans and sesame.
Q5Are food trucks covered by SB 68?
No. Compact mobile food facilities and nonpermanent food facilities are exempt, and so is prepackaged food that is already labeled.
Q6Does SB 68 mean food is allergen free?
No. It requires disclosure of allergen ingredients, but cross contact in shared kitchens is still possible.
