Home / Health / California eateries must list Big 9 allergens July 1
California eateries must list Big 9 allergens July 1
29 Jun
Summary
- Restaurants with 20+ locations must disclose Big 9 allergens.
- The new law takes effect on July 1.
- Millions of Californians have food allergies.
California is set to implement new food allergen disclosure requirements for restaurants starting July 1. Senate Bill 68 mandates that restaurant chains with 20 or more locations must provide customers with written information about the "Big 9" major food allergens present in menu items. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law last October.
This proactive measure is expected to significantly benefit the estimated 4 million Californians who live with food allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has lauded the bill as a critical step towards safer dining experiences, drawing parallels to similar successful legislation in the European Union since 2014.
The "Big 9" allergens, identified by the USDA, will need to be clearly listed either directly on the menu or digitally via QR codes. Restaurants must also offer an alternative method for customers who cannot access digital information. The California Department of Public Health and local health agencies will oversee the enforcement of this new law.
