California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill requiring chain restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus when used as ingredients in food items by January 1, 2026.

Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), titled, the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act (ADDE), amends the California Retail Food Code to “require food facilities that are subject to the federal disclosure provisions for nutrient content information to provide written notification of the major food allergens that the food facility knows or reasonably should know are contained as an ingredient in each menu item, either directly on its menu or in a digital format.”

The rule applies to chain restaurants with 20 or more locations. Compact, mobile food operations and nonpermanent food facilities are exempt.

Food allergen disclosures must be listed in either of the following formats:

1. Directly on the food facility’s menu. If the food facility elects to provide major food allergen information directly on its menu, the menu item shall be followed by a written statement below or immediately adjacent to the menu item indicating the major food allergens contained in the menu item.
2. In a digital format, including, but not limited to, using a quick response (QR) code that links to the food facility’s digital menu. If a food facility elects to provide the major food allergen information in a digital format, the food facility shall also use an alternative method (e.g., a separate menu; an allergen chart, grid, or booklet; or other written materials) to provide the information to customers who are not able to access the information in the digital format.

Under federal law, the major food allergens, known as the “Big 9” food allergens, that covered California establishments will now be required to disclose on their menus, are: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. California restaurants must also disclose the use of food ingredients that contain protein derived from a major allergen.

Highly refined oils derived from a major allergen are not covered by ADDE.