If enacted, the law would take effect on July 1, 2026, mandating allergen information be accessible through various formats, though food trucks and carts would be exempt.

Restaurants could display allergen info via printed menus, allergen charts, or QR codes linking to digital menus, but the legislation would not require food trucks and carts to implement these changes.

Supporters like Brian Hom, who lost his son to a peanut allergy, and high school senior Braxton Kimura, who has severe allergies, believe the law could save lives and reduce dining stress.

Kimura supports the bill, stating that allergen labeling would increase safety and peace of mind for those with severe allergies, though they would still need to communicate with restaurant staff.

Some chains like Chipotle, Red Robin, and Olive Garden already provide allergen info on their menus, setting an example for compliance.

The legislation was introduced by State Senator Caroline Menjivar, who has severe allergies herself and has experienced multiple hospitalizations due to accidental allergen exposure.

The bill reflects broader efforts in California to raise awareness and regulate food allergy safety, with ongoing debates about balancing safety and operational concerns.

California lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 68, which would require restaurants to disclose whether menu items contain the nine most common food allergens, aiming to improve safety for allergy sufferers.

Inspired by European laws, the bill has garnered support from allergy and medical advocacy groups, as well as families affected by food allergies, including 9-year-old Addie Lao, a prominent supporter.

With approximately 33 million Americans, including nearly 4 million Californians, living with food allergies—numbers that are rising—the legislation seeks to address the life-threatening risks associated with allergen exposure.

The bill's details focus on posting allergen information on menus, allergen charts, QR codes, or printed materials, with some exemptions for food trucks and carts.

The California Restaurant Association opposes the bill due to concerns over increased costs, operational burdens, and liability, advocating for more flexibility in how allergen information is provided.