SB-68 and ADDE Act Audit Readiness for California Restaurant Operators

Setting up allergen disclosure systems and preparing for inspections can feel intimidating, especially as operators manage multiple operational pressures. Clear digital allergen systems give your team confidence, provide an evidence base, and support your due diligence under SB-68 and the ADDE Act.

What Inspectors Are Looking For

Inspectors will check that your business has:

• Mapped all menu items to the nine major allergens (including sesame).
• Maintained updated records for menu versions, recipes, and vendor/broadliner ingredient information.
• Demonstrated staff training and awareness about allergen disclosure and safe handling.
• Clear documentation showing the source and verification of allergen information.

SB-68 requires disclosure of allergens that a facility “knows or reasonably should know” are in a menu item. Inspectors are assessing whether you have made a reasonable, documented effort to comply, meaning documented procedures, validated ingredient data, and trained staff. The goal is to show that your team has taken all practical steps to identify and disclose allergens, even if perfection is not possible.

Step 1: Conduct a Self-Audit

Use a checklist to verify:

Step 2: Build a Defensible Digital Audit Trail

• Traceable data flows: Connect vendor/broadliner specs to recipes and menu outputs with date-stamped records.
• Version history: Keep archived records of menu updates and recipe changes for reference.
• Operational dashboards: Set up quick export tools or dashboards for auditor review.
• Training accountability: Maintain signed staff records and refresher training logs.

Step 3: Support Your Team with Training & Procedures

• Provide scripts and escalation flow for guest queries.
• Highlight safe handling and cross-contact prevention in kitchen SOPs.
• Use a quick reference checklist for staff to follow if a guest asks about allergens.
• Regularly refresh critical changes, especially reformulated ingredients.

Step 4: Be Audit Ready

• Run mini site audits weekly on select menu items to trace allergen paths.
• Maintain printed summaries, SOP cheat sheets, and inspection toolkit for staff.
• Lock past menu versions for historical reference.

By implementing clear systems, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring staff are trained and confident, your business can approach SB-68 and ADDE Act inspections with assurance, knowing you have a defensible process and evidence to support every decision.