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."

""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. "In turn, these businesses will be able to offer allergen families a unique additional assurance that will drive customers to their establishments.""

California will require qualifying restaurants to list major food allergens on menus starting in 2026. The law applies to businesses with at least 20 locations and mandates disclosure of ingredients such as milk, eggs, shellfish and tree nuts when those ingredients are known or reasonably should be known to be in products. State Sen. Caroline Menjivar cited personal experience with severe allergies as inspiration. The California Restaurant Association warned the requirement could be costly, burdensome and invite predatory lawsuits, though it welcomed exclusions for small restaurants. Food Allergy Research and Education called the measure a meaningful step, and a child advocate said it will make dining out easier and safer.

Read at ABC30 Fresno