Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act Knowledge Hub

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California’s Allergen Disclosure Law

California’s Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act (ADDE / Senate Bill 68) takes effect on 1 July 2026. It requires foodservice operators with 20+ locations to disclose nine major allergens on their menus — improving guest safety and transparency across the industry.

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Major Allergens

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Months to Deadline

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Menus Updated by July

Table of food with people eating and wine

“Clear, simple food allergen labelling at restaurants should be the standard.
This law helps make that possible.”

– The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

Does Your Business Need to Disclose Allergens?

Answer these questions to check if your California food business must comply with the ADDE Act (SB-68) by July 1, 2026.

Everything You Need to Know on the ADDE Act/SB-68 for Compliant Allergens on Menus

Everything You Need to Know

Key information for food businesses under the ADDE Act (SB-68).

  • What is the ADDE Act?
  • Do I Need to Show Allergens?
  • Key Deadlines
  • What Allergens Must be Shown on Menus?
  • How to Show Allergens
  • What Businesses Are Exempt
  • Enforcement and Penalties
  • How to Comply
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What is the ADDE Act (SB-68)?

The California Senate Bill 68 (ADDE Act) makes written allergen disclosure mandatory for restaurant chains with 20 or more locations by July 2026. It amends Section 113820.5 and adds Section 114093.5 to the California Health and Safety Code (HSC).

  • Purpose: Improve safety for consumers with food allergies.
  • Requirement: Disclosure of 9 allergens.
Allergen information needs to be on your menus by July 2026 to comply with the ADDE Act (SB-68).
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Do I Need to Show Allergens?

Businesses covered are generally chain restaurants with 20+ locations. Smaller independent restaurants and mobile food vendors are typically exempt. Take the short survey below to see if your business needs to show allergens.

Does Your Business Need to Disclose Allergens?

Answer these questions to check if your California food business must comply with the ADDE Act (SB-68) by July 1, 2026.

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Key Deadlines

All covered businesses must implement allergen disclosure systems by July 1, 2026. Allergen systems take time to set up and optimize, start as soon as possible to give your teams as much time as possible.

Outdoor buffet setting demonstrating food service operations.
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What Allergens Must be Shown on Menus?

  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Crustacean Shellfish
  • Tree Nuts
  • Wheat
  • Peanuts
  • Soybeans
  • Sesame
A close-up photo of a print menu lying on a restaurant table.
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How to Show Allergens

  • On Menu: Written statement next to the item.
  • Digital Format: QR code linking to digital menu – with a print menu available.
  • Digital Screens: Legible allergen info on menu boards.
  • Alternative Written Method: Physical chart or booklet on request.
A group of people dining happily at a restaurant table.
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What Businesses Are Exempt

  • Mobile food carts
  • Temporary stalls at events
  • Pre-packaged foods with federal labeling
  • Independent restaurants (<20 locations)
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Enforcement and Penalties

  • Fines: $500–$2,500 for violations; repeat offenses can risk permits.
  • Reputation: Non-disclosure risks lawsuits, negative publicity, and lost revenue.
A group of people dining happily at a restaurant table.
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How to Comply

  • Inventory ingredients and label allergens correctly
  • Track allergen info in a centralized system
  • Train staff on allergen handling and communication
  • Display allergens clearly on all menus and displays
  • Provide easy access for customer inquiries
  • Review menus and logs regularly
  • Monitor compliance and update processes as needed

Ensure Your Business Complies with the ADDE Act

Learn exactly what steps your food business must take to meet the ADDE Act (SB-68) requirements.

How to Comply