The Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act requires restaurant chains with 20 or more U.S. locations to disclose allergens accurately and maintain verifiable records by July 1, 2026.
While digital integrations simplify compliance, most supplier updates still arrive via email or PDF. Manual data doesn’t mean non-compliance — it just means your workflow must be structured and traceable.
Vendor allergen change workflow
This workflow supports SB-68 readiness for any operator — whether you manage a single site or hundreds of locations — and ensures every allergen change is logged, reviewed, and verifiable.
| Step | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Capture Updates | Create a dedicated inbox (e.g., suppliers@brand.com) or shared drive for all allergen updates and specification sheets. | Centralizes incoming data and prevents missed communications. |
| 2. Log the Change | Use a simple tracking sheet noting date, product, allergen change, and a link to the source document. | Provides a verifiable trail that satisfies ADDE audit expectations. |
| 3. Review Affected Recipes | Cross-check updated ingredients weekly against your recipe database to flag impacted menu items. | Maintains accuracy across digital menus, printed menus, and delivery platforms. |
| 4. Update Menus | Revise allergen disclosures immediately and include a version number or “updated on” date for traceability. | Shows inspectors that changes are controlled and documented in real time. |
| 5. Archive Evidence | Save updated menus and allergen logs by date (e.g., “Menu_Allergens_2025-10-12”). | Creates an audit-ready history demonstrating due diligence and accuracy. |
Strengthening supplier accountability
Compliance is a shared responsibility between operators and suppliers. Even without automation, you can standardize supplier communication to improve data quality and reduce error risk.
| Supplier Communication Focus | Best Practice | Compliance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Standardized Allergen Declarations | Provide suppliers with a one-page allergen template listing the nine major allergens for every product. | Ensures consistency and prevents misinterpretation from unstructured PDFs or emails. |
| Change Notifications | Require suppliers to clearly mark allergen changes in bold, with the date of effect. | Eliminates confusion about which version is active and when updates apply. |
| Quarterly Re-validation | Send each supplier a quarterly summary of current allergen data for confirmation. | Detects discrepancies early and reinforces continuous verification. |
Context: SB-68 compliance hinges on the phrase “reasonably should know.” A documented allergen-update routine proves that your organization has systems in place to identify and disclose new allergen risks promptly — even when data arrives manually.
Stay compliant — even without full integration
Access expert templates and checklists to help you log supplier allergen updates, track menu impacts, and prepare for SB-68 inspections.
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