In September, lawmakers in California were scheduled to decide on a new rule called Senate Bill 68, or the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act. If the governor agrees, the law will begin on July 1, 2026. It would make California the first state in the country to ask restaurants to show if food contains nine common allergens. These are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Senator Caroline Menjivar suggested the law because many people in the state have strong allergies that can cause dangerous reactions. Supporters mention the case of 17-year-old Braxton Kimura from San Jose, who has serious allergies. A group called Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) says more than 33 million people in the United States, including almost 4 million in California, live with food allergies.

The plan would let restaurants give allergen details on paper menus, wall charts, or digital menus using QR codes. Food trucks and carts would not have to follow this rule. Families and doctors say the law would help keep people safe. Restaurant owners, however, say it could cost too much and be hard to update menus. Supporters say other places, like Europe and some U.S. chains, already show allergen information.