Topic: Using SB-68 compliance to enhance customer trust and operational transparency.
Why it matters: Guests demand accurate allergen information and safe dining. Demonstrating proactive compliance builds confidence and loyalty.
Key action: Use digital tracking, real-time supplier updates, automated data flow, and audit-ready validation checks to ensure accurate allergen communication.
California’s ADDE Act (SB-68) requires operators with 20 or more locations to accurately disclose top allergens. Beyond compliance, this offers an opportunity to turn allergen transparency into a visible commitment to guest safety and operational excellence.
Operational Strategies to Build Trust
Operators can strengthen trust by integrating these approaches:
| Strategy | Implementation | Customer Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Digital allergen tracking | Implement a connected food data management system to track allergens in recipes, menus, and ingredient batches in real time. | Ensures accurate, up-to-date allergen info reaches customers across all touchpoints. |
| Automated supplier updates | Integrate supplier feeds with menu systems to automatically update allergen data and ingredient changes. | Minimizes human error and ensures the most current information is always displayed. |
| Audit-ready validation | Use automated validation checks and logs to verify allergen accuracy for internal and regulatory audits. | Shows proactive compliance, improving brand credibility and operational accountability. |
| Visible customer communication | Provide allergen information through digital menus, printed alternatives, and table-side notices. | Increases accessibility, building trust with all customer segments. |
Practical Examples from Operators
Real-world examples show how compliance can enhance customer confidence:
| Scenario | Compliance Action | Trust Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise chain updates allergen info across 50 locations | Real-time supplier feeds push updates to all digital menus automatically | Customers always see accurate information, reducing allergy risk and inquiries |
| Fast casual burger chain adds sesame and nut alerts | Visible allergen icons added to digital and printed menus; kitchen staff trained on cross-contact prevention | Customers can make informed choices, demonstrating safety-first commitment |
| Café implements recipe-to-POS allergen integration | Allergen info from the ingredient database updates automatically on POS and menu boards | Ensures consistency across channels, reinforcing reliability and transparency |
| Bakery chain uses printed allergen binder | Detailed allergen charts available for guests requesting printed versions | Accessibility for guests without digital devices improves trust and loyalty |
Context: Proactive SB-68 compliance not only meets regulatory requirements but also signals a customer-centric, safety-first brand ethos.
Transform compliance into customer confidence
Leverage Nutritics’ connected systems to track allergens, integrate supplier data, and ensure real-time, audit-ready communication with guests.
Talk to an expert Access resources Read the legislation