Major food allergens.

Senator Menjivar's allergen disclosure legislation adds sesame to California's list of major food allergens and creates new menu labeling requirements for restaurants across the state. Under the bill, restaurants must provide written notification of major allergens contained in menu items beginning July 1, 2026, with specific requirements varying by establishment size.

Large and medium chain restaurants, defined as those with 6 or more locations in California, must display allergen information either directly on menus or through digital formats like QR codes. If using digital disclosure, these establishments must also provide alternative methods such as allergen-specific menus or charts for customers unable to access digital formats. Small chain and independent restaurants, those with five or fewer locations, maintain flexibility to communicate allergen information through various written formats that are readily available to customers.

The requirements apply to all restaurant-type food service establishments except compact mobile operations and nonpermanent facilities. Restaurants may use either common allergen names or standardized pictograms in their disclosures, while maintaining existing duties of reasonable care for patron safety. The legislation preserves current enforcement mechanisms under the California Retail Food Code, with violations remaining misdemeanors enforced by local health agencies.