Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act Knowledge Hub

Tag: food service

  • Thanksgiving in U.S. Restaurants: Traditions, Trends & Allergen-Safe Menus

    Thanksgiving in U.S. Restaurants: Traditions, Trends & Allergen-Safe Menus

    Thanksgiving in U.S. Food Service: Tradition, Trends & Allergen Risks

    Serve a Safe, Stress-Free Thanksgiving for Foodservice: Keep Guests Happy and Sales High

    Did you know that 91% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?

    For foodservice operators, this presents a prime opportunity to cater to families looking for convenience, quality, and festive meals. Use Thanksgiving as a strategic moment. Special holiday menus, catering, or takeaway packages can boost revenue while meeting growing consumer demand for convenience and quality.

    Foodservice teams should be trained to manage guest allergens, especially if new menu items are being added

    Classic Thanksgiving Menu: What to Expect in Restaurants

    Top dishes remain traditional favorites: roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. Main courses typically include turkey (87%) and ham (39%), while popular sides include stuffing (68%), mashed potatoes (60%), mac & cheese (42%), sweet potatoes (42%), green beans (41%), and cranberry sauce (39%).

    Most people drive to Thanksgiving celebrations (89%!) making takeaway and delivery options very appealing to hungry travellers. Offering special menus, holiday packages, or a la carte sides helps operators respond to this demand.

    Allergen Risks to Watch for on a Thanksgiving Menu

    While allergens must be carefully managed year-round, holidays like Thanksgiving can present additional risks for foodservice operators, especially when introducing new menu items or modifying traditional recipes — making it essential to know which allergens to monitor.

    The table below shows some common allergens to look out for on a Thanksgiving dinner –
    Thanksgiving Dish Likely Allergens
    Roast Turkey & Gravy Wheat (gravy), Milk (butter, cream), Soy (bouillon)
    Stuffing / Dressing Wheat (bread), Eggs, Milk, Tree Nuts (if added)
    Mashed Potatoes Milk, Butter
    Green Bean Casserole Milk (cream soup), Soy (soy-based soup), Wheat (breadcrumbs)
    Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie Eggs, Milk, Tree Nuts (pecans), Wheat (crust)
    Sweet Potato Casserole Milk (butter/cream), Nuts (pecans/walnuts)

    Automating allergen mismatch checks between ingredient data and menu recipes ensures accuracy, especially when holiday recipes may vary or specials are added. This protects both operators and guests.

    Planning for Thanksgiving Food Service Success

    Effective planning can help operators meet demand, protect guests, and make the most of the holiday period. Here are some suggestions for a successful Thanksgiving service –

    Action Details / Benefits
    Create a Holiday Menu Bundle Offer a Thanksgiving “family feast” for pickup or delivery — combining turkey, sides, and dessert. Ensure allergens are clearly listed and users can search for foods that meet their requirements.
    Promote Early Ordering Encourage customers to pre-order to reduce last-minute pressure and minimize food waste.
    Offer Allergen-Friendly Options Provide gluten-free stuffing, nut-free desserts, or dairy-free mashed potatoes to serve more guests safely.
    Use Data for Demand Forecasting Analyze past Thanksgiving sales to optimize staffing, procurement, and inventory.
    Train Staff Ensure servers and kitchen teams are aware of allergens — holiday stress is high, but allergen awareness must remain firm.
    Highlight Festive Specials & Promotions Use social media, newsletters, or in-store signage to showcase limited-time Thanksgiving dishes and bundles, driving early orders.
    Streamline Pickup & Delivery Logistics Implement clear time slots, packaging, and labeling to ensure meals arrive fresh and on time.
    Cross-Sell or Upsell Holiday Items Encourage add-ons such as desserts, drinks, or appetizers with holiday bundles to increase average order value.
    Monitor Ingredient Availability Secure key ingredients in advance and identify substitutes in case of shortages.
    Leverage Digital Menu & Food Data Systems Ensure menus, nutrition info, and allergens are accurate across all channels, including online ordering platforms.
    Plan Staffing Carefully Consider temporary staff or adjusted shifts to manage high volume efficiently, especially for delivery, pickup, and catering orders.
    Collect Feedback & Measure Performance Track sales trends, customer feedback, and allergen incidents to refine next year’s holiday strategy.

    By understanding trends, menu preferences, and allergen risks, operators can maximise revenue, ensure guest safety, and deliver a memorable Thanksgiving experience.

    Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Set Your Thanksgiving Strategy Today

    Get tools, menu templates, and allergen-management frameworks designed for Thanksgiving volume. Be ready to delight guests — and protect them.

    Talk to an Expert Download Holiday Planning Resources
  • ADDE Act Compliance: Managing Allergens Across Multi-Location Restaurants

    ADDE Act Compliance: Managing Allergens Across Multi-Location Restaurants

    Managing Allergens Across Multi-Location Restaurants in California

    Managing Allergens Across Multi-Location Restaurants in California

    For restaurant chains, franchises, and multi-location operators in California, allergen management is a year-round compliance and safety priority. Launching new menu items, updating recipes, or introducing seasonal specials can increase risk if allergen data is inconsistent between locations. Effective allergen governance protects guests and ensures legal compliance under SB-68 and the ADDE Act.

    Why Centralized Allergen Management Matters

    Allergen information must be consistent across corporate, franchise, and digital menus. Discrepancies between locations or between printed and digital menus can lead to compliance violations, operational inefficiencies, and potential customer harm. Centralized management simplifies updates, ensures accurate communication, and reduces operational risk while improving confidence in staff and guest safety.

    Example: Multi-Location Menu Allergen Tracking

    Menu Item Ingredients / Components Potential Allergens
    Grilled Chicken Sandwich Bun, Chicken, Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato Wheat, Eggs, Soy
    Vegan Burrito Tortilla, Beans, Rice, Vegetables, Guacamole Wheat, Soy
    Caesar Salad Lettuce, Dressing, Croutons, Parmesan Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Fish
    Almond-Crusted Fish Fish, Almonds, Egg Wash, Seasoning Tree Nuts, Eggs, Fish
    Spaghetti Bolognese Pasta, Meat Sauce Wheat, Eggs, Milk

    Steps for Effective Multi-Location Allergen Management

    • Centralize Allergen Data
      Maintain a single, up-to-date database of ingredients, derivatives, and allergen information accessible across all locations, including digital and printed menus.
    • Standardize Ingredient Names
      Use clear, consistent naming conventions for allergens (e.g., “Milk” instead of “Dairy”) to prevent miscommunication and ensure menus match POS and supplier data.
    • Validate New Menu Items
      Conduct allergen checks for every new dish or seasonal special. Cross-reference digital recipe management tools, supplier specifications, and manual oversight to ensure accuracy before launch.
    • Staff Training and Role-Specific Guidance
      Train all front-of-house and kitchen staff on allergen handling, cross-contact prevention, and customer communication. Provide refresher courses, location-specific guides, and SOPs to reduce errors during high-volume periods.
    • Regular Audits and Monitoring
      Schedule periodic audits at all locations to verify menu accuracy, POS data, and printed materials. Identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions immediately.
    • Automate Updates Where Possible
      Integrate supplier feeds, recipe management systems, and POS menus to update allergen data in real-time, ensuring consistency and reducing manual workload.

    Simplify Chain-Wide Allergen Management

    Digital allergen management systems help operators update menus across all locations in real-time, ensuring compliance, consistency, and guest safety.

    Talk to an Expert Access Resources

    Context: The Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act applies to restaurant chains with 20 or more U.S. locations and requires public allergen disclosure by July 1, 2026. Administered by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

  • Preparing for the ADDE Act — practical guidance for food service operators

    ADDE Act Compliance for Restaurants — Practical Guide

    Topic: Preparing for the ADDE Act — what foodservice operators need to know.

    Why it matters: The Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act is now law. Restaurants have until July 1, 2026 to provide accurate allergen information on all menus.

    Main takeaway: By following practical steps and the 4S framework, your restaurant can confidently meet legal requirements, protect customers, and streamline internal processes.

    The ADDE Act compliance for restaurants is the first law in the United States requiring allergen information on menus. While digital menus and QR codes are helpful, written alternatives are always required on-site to meet the law. Compliance protects your customers, safeguards your brand, and reduces liability in case of allergen-related incidents.

    Before starting, reviewing these related resources will help you understand priorities:

    Quick Step-by-Step Guidance

    Follow these practical actions to start your compliance plan. Each step helps reduce risk and ensures allergen information is accurate and accessible to customers.

    Step Action & Why it Matters
    1. Review your menu data List all items and ingredients, noting allergens. Identifying where written alternatives must be available ensures guests can make safe choices.
    2. Collect supplier allergen statements Confirm allergen info for all products, including compound ingredients. Accurate supplier data prevents hidden allergen risks.
    3. Cross-check recipes Compare recipes to supplier info to catch hidden allergens. Prevents unintentional exposure and liability.
    4. Choose disclosure method Display allergen info on menus or via QR codes. Ensures customers can see information before purchase and keeps digital & print consistent.
    5. Assign ownership Designate a team or role to approve updates and maintain records. Clear accountability ensures data stays current and compliant.
    Pro tip: Combining written alternatives and digital tracking ensures legal compliance and builds customer confidence.

    4S Framework Outline

    The 4S Framework organizes allergen management into a clear operational workflow, helping you implement the step-by-step guidance consistently across your restaurant.

    Pillar Goal Reference / Resource
    Source Build a verified source of allergen data across your supply chain. ADDE Resource Tools
    Sort Map allergens and create accurate recipes and menus with full traceability. 9 Major Allergens
    Share Communicate allergen information clearly to guests and staff. ADDE Act Menu Display Rules
    Sustain Maintain allergen data accuracy over time. SB-68 Legislation
    Download the full ADDE compliance resources now

    Start your ADDE compliance plan today

    Access expert resources to centralize allergen data, automate updates, and prepare for California’s ADDE Act requirements.

    Talk to a compliance expert Explore resources Visit ADDE site