UPDATE: California is poised to become the first state in the U.S. to mandate allergen disclosure on restaurant menus, with a critical vote scheduled for September 2023. This legislation aims to protect the growing number of individuals with severe food allergies, including 4 million Californians like Braxton Kimura, who faces life-threatening reactions from peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts.
The proposed law would require restaurants to disclose whether menu items contain any of the nine most common allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans. Establishments can provide this information via printed menus, allergen charts, or QR codes linking to digital menus. If passed, the law will take effect on July 1, 2026.
“It’s really to protect the millions of people in California who have allergies like me,” stated Democratic State Senator Caroline Menjivar, who introduced the bill. Menjivar, herself severely allergic, has experienced multiple hospitalizations due to anaphylaxis. She was inspired to champion this cause while traveling in Europe, where allergen disclosure has been mandatory since 2014.
Advocacy has surged, particularly from young voices like Addie Lao, a nine-year-old with severe allergies. “I want to be able to eat out with my friends and family like everyone else,” she shared during a recent legislative hearing. Her powerful testimony has captured attention and support for the bill.
Despite broad backing from medical groups and allergy advocacy organizations, the California Restaurant Association opposes the legislation, citing concerns over increased costs and burdens on an already struggling industry. The association argues that the law could complicate menu management and financial sustainability for many restaurants.
“The menu becomes unwieldy and impractical,” warned Matthew Sutton, senior vice president at the California Restaurant Association. “We need more flexibility and liability protections.”
Some establishments, like Chipotle and Olive Garden, already provide allergen information, demonstrating that transparency is achievable. However, many smaller restaurants could struggle to adapt without significant support.
The urgency of this legislation resonates deeply with families affected by food allergies. Brian Hom, a restaurant owner and supporter of the bill, lost his son to an allergic reaction from peanuts. He emphasizes, “This legislation is going to save lives. I don’t want to see anybody suffer what my wife and I are suffering.”
As the vote approaches, the implications of this bill are monumental for the approximately 33 million Americans living with food allergies. This legislation could set a precedent for other states, ensuring safer dining experiences for millions more.
Stay tuned as we follow this developing story and its potential impact on public health and restaurant practices across California and beyond.
