SB 68: How California’s ADDE Act will Transform Food Allergy Safety
🥢 A Personal Story that Sparked Statewide Change
When I first met Addie Lao and her mom, Dr. Robyn Lao, on the Eating at a Meeting podcast, I was inspired by their courage, determination, and unwavering advocacy.
Addie, just nine years old and living with allergies to dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, had one simple dream: to eat at restaurants without fear.
That dream became the foundation for California Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) — officially known as the Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act. On October 13, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed it into law, making California the first state in the nation to require restaurant chains to list the Top 9 major food allergens on their menus or digital menus.
What the ADDE Act (SB 68) Does
Beginning July 1, 2026, all food facilities operating in California that serve or sell food to consumers and have 20 or more locations nationwide will be required to provide written notification of the major allergens contained in every menu item.
The information must appear:
- Directly on the menu, listed beside or below each dish, or
- Digitally, through a QR code or similar format — with a printed option available for guests who prefer it.
The law also adds sesame to California’s official allergen list, aligning the state food code with the FDA’s Top 9 major food allergens (milk, egg, soy, wheat, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish).
How One Meal Changed Everything
Addie’s inspiration came from a single dining experience — a Chinese dumpling restaurant that clearly labeled allergens on its menu.
“I literally cried watching her eat these dumplings,” Robyn shared. “It was just so transformative for us.”
For the first time, Addie could enjoy a safe, shared meal without fear. That one act of transparency sparked a movement. Partnering with California Senator Caroline Menjivar, who also has food allergies, the Laos helped draft and champion what would become SB 68 — proving that policy and passion can work hand in hand.
Why SB 68 Matters for Meetings & Events
For meeting and event professionals, SB 68 represents a landmark shift in how we think about food safety and inclusion.
California welcomes millions of visitors each year for business, conventions, and conferences. With over $55.9 billion spent annually on food and beverage by California tourism, allergen transparency is not just a restaurant issue — it’s an event experience issue.
Guests with dietary needs are fiercely loyal to venues that “get it right.” As Robyn Lao noted on the podcast,
“Once we find a restaurant that’s safe, that has good information, we will frequent that restaurant many, many times.”
By choosing venues that prioritize allergen labeling, communicating clearly with culinary teams, and supporting legislation like SB 68, event planners can lead the way in creating safer, more inclusive dining experiences.
The Takeaway
The ADDE Act (SB 68) isn’t just about menus — it’s about inclusion, trust, and safety. It’s a model for how awareness, advocacy, and policy can unite to make dining safer for everyone, from family dinners to conference banquets.
Because every guest matters. Every meal matters.
And now, thanks to Addie Lao, Dr. Robyn Lao, and SB 68, every menu will matter too.
Listen to my full conversation with Addie and Robyn on Eating at a Meeting → Listen to the episode
