New California Law Requires Restaurant Chains to Label Food Allergens

Under SB 68, California restaurant chains with 20 or more locations will be required to label menu items for the top nine major food allergens. Photo: Just Allergy Things

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 68 into law on Oct. 13, 2025, marking a major step toward improving food allergy safety in California restaurants.

Proposed by Senator Caroline Menjivar earlier this year, the law will take effect on July 1, 2026. Restaurant chains with over 20 locations will now be required to label the top nine major food allergens on their menu.

Restaurants may choose how they share this information, either by printing it directly on the menu or by linking to a digital version, such as through a QR code. They must also make sure that customers without digital access can review the same details in a written form, such as a dedicated allergen menu or chart.

The legislation also permits restaurants to identify allergens by using either straightforward names or standardized symbols. Certain types of food businesses, including compact mobile vendors and temporary food facilities, are exempt from these new requirements.

During the legislative process, leading food allergy nonprofit FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) expressed support for the bill’s intent but took a position opposing the April 2025 version of SB 68. In its April 9 letter to Senator Menjivar, the organization expressed concerns that it could create a false sense of security for food allergy families, since the bill focused on a one-size-fits-all menu labeling approach that FARE viewed as inadequate, overlooking risks that can arise from ingredient changes, sourcing, and cross-contact in the kitchen. FARE also warned that the legislation was moving too quickly and might create a backlash from restaurants that would make the food allergy community unwelcome guests in area restaurants. 

The bill was amended in July 2025, aligning more closely with FARE’s recommendations After the revisions, FARE updated its position to formal support of SB 68. 

SB 68 could set a precedent for other states to follow, shaping how restaurants across the country address food allergy safety. For the estimated more than 33 million Americans living with food allergies, the law marks a concrete step toward safer and more informed dining experiences.