California restaurants will have to disclose food allergens on their
menus under new law
[October 15, 2025]
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — 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. “In turn, these businesses will be able to
offer allergen families a unique additional assurance that will drive
customers to their establishments.”
But the California Restaurant Association has said previously the law
will be costly and burdensome for businesses. The group said it is
pleased the bill no longer applies to small restaurants, but is
concerned the legislation could lead to “predatory lawsuits” against
businesses.
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Braxton Kimura, right, orders food with his mother Carol Kimura at
Vitality Bowl on Aug. 13, 2025, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Terry
Chea, File)
 “We continue to assess the impacts
to those members of ours still subject to the proposed law and are
working with them to determine if a change in position is
warranted,” CEO Jot Condie said in a statement.
The nonprofit Food Allergy Research and Education said the bill is
not perfect but is a “meaningful step” to protect people with food
allergies.
Addie Lao, a child with severe allergies who advocated for the bill,
said previously that it would make it easier for her to eat out with
friends and family.
“I have to avoid the foods I’m allergic to since it’s like poison to
my body and can harm me,” she said at a legislative hearing in
April.
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