California restaurants will have to disclose food allergens on their menus under new law

"California will become the first state in the nation requiring restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus starting in 2026 under a new law. The law Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Monday applies to businesses with at least 20 locations. They will have to disclose ingredients including milk, eggs, shellfish and tree nuts when they know or reasonably should know that they are in their products."

"California state Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat, said the bill was inspired in part by her own experiences living with severe allergies to many nuts and fruits. Soon, the millions of Californians with food allergies, many of whom are young children, will be able to fully enjoy dining out without fear or apprehension at these qualifying restaurants, she said when the bill passed in the Legislature."

California will require restaurants with at least 20 locations to list major food allergens on menus starting in 2026. The law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom mandates disclosure of ingredients including milk, eggs, shellfish and tree nuts when operators know or reasonably should know those ingredients are present. State Sen. Caroline Menjivar said her severe allergies partly inspired the bill and advocates noted that millions of Californians, many young children, will be safer dining out. The California Restaurant Association warned of cost, burden and potential predatory lawsuits, while Food Allergy Research and Education called the measure a meaningful step. A child advocate described allergies as like poison that can harm her.

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