This FAQ covers California’s Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act, including legal requirements, practical guidance, and best practices for allergen disclosure in foodservice operations.
The ADDE Act (SB 68) requires covered food facilities in California to provide written notice of the nine major food allergens in each menu item. Effective date: 1 July 2026.
Chains with 20+ locations under the same name and offering similar menu items in California must comply. Smaller independent operators are exempt.
The nine major allergens are milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Clear names or standard pictograms may be used.
Allergen information must appear on printed menus, menu boards, or digital formats (QR codes), with a written alternative for guests who cannot access digital content.
No. QR codes must be accompanied by a printed allergen menu or chart to comply.
Yes, if the chain threshold is met. Compliance responsibility rests with the covered facility or brand in California.
Compact mobile food operations, nonpermanent food facilities, and pre-packaged foods already federally labeled for allergens are exempt under SB-68.
Disclosures must clearly identify which of the nine major allergens are present. Cross-contact statements are recommended as best practice but not required.
No. ADDE focuses solely on menu allergen disclosure. Staff training is separate.
Local health agencies inspect facilities for compliance. Penalties follow the California Retail Food Code.
Penalties follow the California Retail Food Code, including fines and corrective actions mandated by local health agencies.
Pre-packaged foods already federally labeled are exempt from ADDE Act requirements.
Yes, as long as the nine major allergens are clearly disclosed and distinguishable from other dietary or nutritional information.
Digital menus can be used, but a written alternative must be available for guests who cannot access digital content.
Yes, if the platform represents a covered food facility. Allergen information must be available for each menu item.
Disclosures may use clear text or standard allergen pictograms. Clarity and completeness are key.
No, cross-contact statements are recommended but not required under ADDE Act.
Update whenever a menu item changes ingredients, formulations, or preparation methods affecting allergen content.
Responsibility lies with the covered facility or brand in California, even in franchise or multi-brand operations.
Yes, any menu available to customers in covered facilities must include allergen information regardless of duration.
No. ADDE Act focuses only on menu disclosure; staff training is governed separately under California food-handler rules.
Yes, if they contain any of the nine major allergens, including certain flavored or dairy-based drinks.
Yes. If a menu offers customization that could include allergens, disclosure must indicate potential allergens in each option.
Yes, standard allergen pictograms are acceptable if they clearly convey the presence of each major allergen.
Yes, QR codes can be used, but a printed alternative must also be provided to meet accessibility requirements.
Facilities must promptly update menus and any digital formats whenever allergen information changes.
Smaller independent operators with fewer than 20 locations under the same name are exempt from the ADDE Act.
Yes, if they are freshly prepared and sold by a covered facility, allergen information must be provided.
Local health agencies inspect facilities for compliance and apply penalties following the California Retail Food Code.
Yes, allergen information should be included on menus and be accessible for takeout or delivery orders.
Abbreviations are acceptable only if they are widely recognized and clearly communicate the allergen present.
Compact mobile food operations, classified as nonpermanent food facilities, are generally exempt unless they operate as part of a chain meeting the covered facility threshold.
Nonpermanent food facilities, such as seasonal or pop-up restaurants, are generally exempt unless they meet the covered facility chain criteria.
Yes, if a menu is available online, allergen information must be accessible and match in-store disclosures.
Generally, no. Food service on planes and trains is considered a nonpermanent food facility under California law, so SB-68 allergen disclosure requirements usually do not apply. Pre-packaged items that are already federally labeled for allergens are also exempt.
However, in some cases, food service on a train or plane could be considered a permanent food facility. Examples include:
Food providers in these situations should check with a regulatory authority to confirm whether allergen disclosure rules apply.
Review the full ADDE Act roadmap for step-by-step preparation.
View the Full Compliance Guide