Practical 4-month SB-68 compliance checklist for U.S. restaurant chains, franchises, and ghost kitchens

To prepare for July 1, 2026, the date when California Senate Bill 68 (ADDE Act) requires written allergen disclosure for restaurant chains with 20 or more locations, restaurant operators should follow this month-by-month plan to ensure allergen data, menus, and staff are fully ready for inspection and compliance verification.

Step 1: Assessment & Data Foundation

• Start by appointing an Allergen Champion responsible for team coordination.
• Next, conduct a full gap analysis of menu items, sub-recipes, and ingredients.
• Identify missing allergen info from vendors and broadliners.
• Review menu management processes and discrepancies between digital, printed, and POS menus.
• Select a menu management software platform to store, sync, and audit allergen data.
• Define a clear data structure linking menu items, sub-recipes, and ingredients to allergens.
• Document workflows for allergen updates.
• Draft a standard template for allergen reporting to maintain consistency.

Step 2: Vendor & Recipe Standardization

• Collect written allergen declarations from all vendors and broadliners.
• Build a master allergen database.
• Standardize recipe naming and allergen terminology.
• Verify all menu variations are captured.
• Update workflow procedures for vendor communications and allergen data entry.

Step 3: Systems & Menu Infrastructure

• Configure menu management software for multi-location syncing.
• Create draft templates for digital, POS, and printed menus.
• Implement version control for menu and allergen updates.
• Set automated alerts for ingredient or recipe changes affecting allergens.

Step 4: Final Audit & Staff Training

• First, carry out a full allergen and data audit.
• Then, finalize menu layouts for digital and printed formats.
• Also, create or update in-store signage and written references.
• Deliver role-specific staff training and review SOPs and escalation procedures.

Step 5: Final Check & Go Live

• Do a test run and internal audit across all locations.
• Verify consistency across digital, printed, and written menu formats.
• Check SOP adherence by staff.
• Maintain inspection readiness, set up ongoing monitoring, and schedule periodic audits.

By following this roadmap, your team can ensure that allergen management is accurate, consistent, and integrated across all locations. Regular audits, staff training, and system updates will keep your menus compliant and safe for all guests. Start your compliance journey today to achieve SB-68 readiness well before the July 1, 2026 deadline.