Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- mandate /MAN-deyt/
[verb] – to officially order or require something
The school decided to mandate that all students wear uniforms starting next year. - trigger /TRIG-er/
[verb] – to cause something to start or happen suddenly
Eating too much sugar may trigger headaches in some people. - reform /ri-FAWRM/
[noun] – a change or improvement to a system, law, or practice
The government introduced a reform to improve the education system. - exempt /ig-ZEMPT/
[adjective] – not required to do something that others must do
Students with good attendance are exempt from taking the final exam. - burdensome /BUR-dn-suhm/
[adjective] – difficult, heavy, or causing problems
The extra paperwork was burdensome for the teachers.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In September, California legislators were scheduled to decide on Senate Bill 68, known as the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act. The plan would begin on July 1, 2026, if approved by the governor, and would establish California as the first state to mandate that restaurants list the nine leading food allergens on menus. These allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. Senator Caroline Menjivar, who proposed the bill, stressed that millions of residents live with allergies that can trigger medical emergencies. Supporters highlight the case of 17-year-old Braxton Kimura from San Jose, whose severe allergies demonstrate the urgent need for reform. Data from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) shows that over 33 million people across the United States, including nearly 4 million Californians, are affected.
Under the proposal, restaurants could display allergen details on paper menus, wall charts, or digital lists accessed through QR codes, while food trucks and carts would remain exempt. Health experts and family advocates argue that such measures would enhance transparency and prevent accidental exposure. Restaurant industry representatives, however, warn that frequent ingredient changes could make menus difficult to maintain and financially burdensome. Despite resistance, supporters point to European rules in effect since 2014 and existing practices in U.S. chains like Chipotle and Olive Garden. Analysts describe the measure as a significant development that may redefine how food safety is managed in American dining establishments.
Under the proposal, restaurants could display allergen details on paper menus, wall charts, or digital lists accessed through QR codes, while food trucks and carts would remain exempt. Health experts and family advocates argue that such measures would enhance transparency and prevent accidental exposure. Restaurant industry representatives, however, warn that frequent ingredient changes could make menus difficult to maintain and financially burdensome. Despite resistance, supporters point to European rules in effect since 2014 and existing practices in U.S. chains like Chipotle and Olive Garden. Analysts describe the measure as a significant development that may redefine how food safety is managed in American dining establishments.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had to be careful about food because of an allergy? If yes, what foods do you avoid? If not, how do you choose what food is safe or healthy for you?
- Have you ever seen a restaurant menu that shows allergy information? If yes, how did it help customers? If not, would you like restaurants to add that information? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that small food trucks and carts should not be required to follow this law?
- What challenges might restaurants face if they must update their menus often?
- What responsibilities do restaurants and customers each have to keep dining safe?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- restaurant
- resident
- proposal
- QR code
- industry