California has become the first state in the US to require written notification of the nine major food allergens in restaurant menu ingredient descriptions. The Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act (Senate Bill SB 68), which will go into effect on July 1, 2026, applies to restaurants that have at least one location in California and 20 or more locations nationally.
The impetus for the new law came from Robyn Lao and her 9-year-old daughter Addie Lao, who has multiple food allergies. California State Senator Caroline Menjivar worked with them on the legislation, which was named for Addie. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) lobbied hard in support of the bill. AAFA is also helping advocate for and, in some cases helping draft, restaurant allergen transparency bills in multiple states.