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.