California Moves to Promote Food Allergen Awareness in Restaurants
In a move aimed at helping those with severe food allergies, California is poised to become the first state in the nation to require restaurants to clearly label the nine most common food allergens on their menus. This legislation could provide significant relief for many families living with food allergies, including those like 17-year-old Braxton Kimura, who has life-threatening allergies to peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts.
“I find eating out really stressful,” Kimura admits from his home in San Jose. The risk of accidental exposure to allergens is always on his mind. “Whenever I go out to eat, I have to bring my EpiPens, and it’s nerve-wracking.”
The bill, known as the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences Act (ADDE), is expected to be voted on in September. If passed, it will mandate that restaurants clearly communicate whether items on their menus contain allergens like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, or soybeans.
Restaurants may display this allergen information either directly on menus or through printed materials, such as charts or QR codes directing customers to digital menus. It’s worth noting that food trucks and carts won’t be affected by these new regulations.
Senator Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat representing the San Fernando Valley and sponsor of the bill, expressed her passion for this initiative, citing her own struggles with allergies. “I know how life-threatening these reactions can be,” she stated, having experienced anaphylactic reactions firsthand.
The idea for the law came to Menjivar during a trip to Europe, where allergen labeling has been mandatory for nearly a decade. Inspired by this approach, she returned to the U.S. ready to champion similar protections for Californians.
Young advocates, like 9-year-old Addie Lao, have also put a personal face on the issue. Addie has been a key supporter of the bill, making appearances in public discussions and emphasizing the importance of being able to dine out safely. She recently told state senators, “I want to eat out with my friends and family like everyone else.”
Despite the bill’s backing from various health organizations and allergy advocates, the California Restaurant Association has raised concerns. The association argues that enforcing such a law could impose significant burdens on restaurants already grappling with rising food prices, labor shortages, and economic pressures.
Matthew Sutton, a senior vice president at the California Restaurant Association, highlighted that the changes could lead to complicated menus, making it challenging for restaurants to keep up with constant updates due to ingredient changes. “This could make dining out an impractical option for many businesses,” he noted.
Some larger restaurant chains, such as Chipotle and Olive Garden, are already proactive in listing allergen information, but the new law aims to standardize these practices across the state. Supporters of the bill insist that clearer labeling will not only help keep those with allergies safe but also assist restaurants in avoiding potential legal liabilities.
Brian Hom, who owns Vitality Bowl restaurants in San Jose, has publicly backed the movement. He knows the pain of losing a loved one due to a food allergy, as he lost his son on his 18th birthday after an accidental exposure to peanuts. “This legislation is going to save lives,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
The alarming statistics are clear: about 33 million Americans, including nearly 4 million Californians, have food allergies. These numbers are on the rise, which makes the need for increased awareness and safety measures even more urgent.
Braxton Kimura, diagnosed with allergies from a young age, understands the daily challenges that come with navigating food choices. While he acknowledges that allergen labels will help, he also believes personal communication with restaurant staff will remain vital.
“I’d still check in with the staff to make sure my food is safe, but clearer labels would make dining out less stressful,” he said. “It’s a step towards creating a safer environment and raising awareness about food allergies.”
The potential rollout of this legislation marks a significant step towards empowering individuals with allergies and promoting safety in dining. As California prepares for its vote, it stands at the forefront of a very important conversation about public health and the quality of life for many families.
