California Set to Vote on Groundbreaking Allergen Disclosure Bill
URGENT UPDATE: California is poised to become the first U.S. state to require restaurants to disclose food allergens on menus. The state Legislature is expected to vote on Senate Bill 68, the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act (ADDE), as early as this September.
This landmark legislation could significantly reduce the stress for millions of Californians with severe food allergies, including 17-year-old Braxton Kimura from San Jose. “Eating out is definitely really dangerous,” Kimura shared, emphasizing the constant fear that a tiny mistake could land him in the emergency room.
If passed, SB 68 will mandate restaurants to inform customers about the nine most common food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans. Establishments can choose to display allergen information on physical menus, allergen charts, or via QR codes leading to digital menus. Notably, food trucks and carts will not be affected by this requirement.
July 1, 2026 is the anticipated date for the law to take effect if approved by Governor Gavin Newsom. “It’s really to protect the millions of people in California who have allergies like me,” said Senator Caroline Menjivar, who introduced the bill and is also severely allergic to nuts and fruits. Menjivar’s inspiration for the bill came after witnessing similar allergen regulations in Europe.
The bill’s most passionate advocate, 9-year-old Addie Lao, has become a social media sensation, bringing attention to the struggles faced by children with food allergies. “I want to be able to eat out with my friends and family like everyone else,” she expressed during a hearing in Sacramento.
However, not everyone supports the measure. The California Restaurant Association has voiced opposition, arguing that the law could impose additional costs on restaurants already grappling with rising food prices and labor shortages. They are calling for greater flexibility in how allergen information is displayed and enhanced liability protections.
Despite the pushback, supporters like Brian Hom, owner of Vitality Bowl restaurants in San Jose, argue that this legislation could save lives. Hom tragically lost his son to an allergic reaction and believes that clear allergen labeling is crucial. “I don’t want to see anybody suffer what my wife and I are suffering,” he stated.
Currently, about 33 million Americans live with food allergies, including nearly 4 million in California. The rising numbers underline the urgency of this legislative effort. Kimura, diagnosed with food allergies since infancy, launched an initiative called Beyond the Shell to raise awareness through a documentary titled “The Last Bite.”
While Kimura acknowledges that he would still need to communicate with restaurant staff to ensure dishes are safe, he believes the allergen labels would provide “more peace of mind” and foster greater awareness around food allergies. “It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” he concluded.
As the vote approaches, many will be watching closely to see if California takes this significant step forward in public health and safety. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
