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California The state will become the first in the nation to require restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus starting in 2026 under a new law.
Law government. Gavin Newsom Signing Monday applies to businesses with at least 20 locations. They must disclose ingredients including milk, eggs, shellfish and tree nuts when they know or “reasonably should know” they are in their products.
California State Senator Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat, said the bill was inspired by her own experiences living with severe allergies to a variety of nuts and fruits.
“Soon, millions of Californians with food allergies, many of whom have young children, will be able to fully enjoy eating out at these qualified restaurants without fear or apprehension,” he said when the bill passed. Legislature“In turn, these businesses will be able to provide allergen families a unique additional reassurance that will drive customers to their establishments.”
But the California Restaurant Association has previously said the law would be costly and burdensome for businesses. The group said it was glad the bill would no longer apply to small restaurants, but worried the law could lead to “predatory lawsuits” against businesses.
“We continue to assess the impacts to our members who are still subject to the proposed legislation and are working with them to determine if a change in status is warranted,” CEO Jott 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 severe allergy sufferer who advocated for the bill, previously said it would make it easier for her to eat out with friends and family.
“I have to avoid foods that I’m allergic to because it’s like poison to my body and can harm me,” she said at a legislative hearing in April.