Starting July 1, all restaurants in California with 20 or more locations must follow the ADDE Act, requiring clear allergen disclosure.
The law lets restaurants list allergen information on menus or through digital formats like QR codes. If digital options are used, printed allergen details must also be available.
The California Department of Public Health and local health agencies will enforce these rules.
Restaurants must disclose nine allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, and sesame.
More than 2 million Californians with food allergies will benefit from this law.
Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, says the law helps prevent allergic reactions and saves lives. He points out that similar rules have worked in the European Union since 2014.
Clear allergen information can improve safety and create loyal customers for restaurants.
Are you aware of the allergens in your favorite dishes when dining out? This law pushes restaurants to be more transparent, making it easier for you to decide what to eat safely.
