You Need to Add Allergens To Your Menus – Where Do You Start?
California’s Senate Bill 68, the Allergen Disclosures for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act, has officially become law – meaning you will have to add allergens onto your menus before the July 2026 deadline.
Why are allergens on menus important?
Accurate menu information isn’t just about compliance. Over 33 million Americans live with food allergies, so clear disclosures are essential.
71% of diners check online menus before visiting a restaurant, and
40% say they are unlikely to visit a venue if the information is incomplete or inaccurate.
How prepared are operators today?
A report from late 2024 shows that only 31% of operators currently provide allergen information on their menus — meaning most operators will need to add allergens before July 2026.
With the July 1, 2026 compliance deadline approaching, many operators ask “Where should we start?”.
Understand the End Goal
SB-68 requires:
- All menu items to list the 9 major allergens, including sesame, by July 1, 2026
- Operators of chains with 20+ U.S. locations to provide allergen info both onsite and digitally
- Verification processes to ensure data is accurate for each recipe and vendor/broadliner ingredient
At a high level, operators need to embed allergen tracking into daily operations.
Step-by-step starting points
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose a system | Pick a digital tool or menu management system that tracks allergens and ingredients across recipes, menus, and sites, and outputs to menus. |
| 2 | Collect allergen info | Set up a process with your vendors and broadliners to get allergen information digitally for easy updates, automated validation, and audit trails. |
| 3 | Map your menus | Create a database of recipes and menus. Map ingredients to each item. Identify the 9 major allergens (and protein derivatives) in every recipe. |
| 4 | Check recipes for hidden allergens | Review sauces, marinades, and pre-mixes. Confirm all ingredients match vendor/broadliner allergen info. Run validation checks. |
| 5 | Decide how to display allergens | Choose a consistent method for menus—print, digital, or QR code. Ensure printed allergen info is always available. |
| 6 | Assign responsibility | Name allergen champions responsible for updates, approvals, and audit-ready records. |
Who needs to take action
SB-68 applies to restaurant chains with 20+ U.S. locations serving or selling food to consumers. Most independent operators and smaller chains aren’t affected, but it’s worth checking if your business qualifies.
Exemptions include:
- Compact mobile food operations
- Nonpermanent food facilities
- Prepackaged foods subject to federal allergen labeling
Even if you’re exempt, following best practices for allergen management helps protect your customers and your brand.
How to stay audit-ready
During inspections, authorities will want to see that allergen information is clear and accurate. To prepare:
- Maintain written documentation of major allergens for each menu item
- Use common allergen names or standardized icons for clarity
- Provide alternatives for customers who can’t access digital menus
- Keep records of vendor or broadliner ingredient sources and update dates
By embedding these checks into your daily operations, you can reduce risk and stay inspection-ready without stress.
Start your ADDE compliance plan today
Access expert resources and digital tools to centralize allergen data, automate updates, and prepare for California’s SB-68 requirements.
Talk to a compliance expert Explore resources Read the legislationContext: California Senate Bill 68 (ADDE Act) requires restaurant chains with 20+ U.S. locations to provide accurate written allergen disclosures on all menus by July 1, 2026. It amends Section 113820.5 and adds Section 114093.5 to the California Health and Safety Code (HSC).