The 5-Minute SB-68 Compliance Checklist
Stop overthinking it. Here's exactly what you need to do, step by step. Most restaurants can knock this out in a single sitting.
Determine if SB-68 applies to you
SB-68 is mandatory for chains with 20+ locations operating under the same name. Independent restaurants are exempt but should comply voluntarily to strengthen their legal defense. Food trucks and pop-ups are explicitly exempt.
Even if exempt, continue to step 2 — voluntary compliance costs nothing and strengthens your legal defense if a claim arises.
Gather your menu
Get your current menu in any format: PDF, photo, website URL, or just a typed list. Include all items customers can order — appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, drinks with ingredients.
Identify allergens per item
For each menu item, identify which of the 9 major FDA allergens are present: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame. Check ingredients, sauces, marinades, cooking oils, and vendor-supplied items.
MenuComply automates this step with AI — upload your menu and get suggestions in seconds.
Choose your disclosure format
SB-68 allows any format that's visible to customers before they order:
- Allergen icons/codes directly on your printed menu
- QR code linking to a digital allergen page
- Separate allergen chart (laminated, at the host stand)
- Any combination of the above
Best practice: QR code for easy updates + printed backup for customers without phones.
Publish and make accessible
Put your disclosure where customers can see it before ordering. This means on the table, on the menu itself, at the register, or prominently displayed near the ordering area. Don't hide it in a binder behind the counter.
Train staff
Every server needs to know: where the disclosure is, how to present it when asked, and who to escalate to for complex allergen questions. This takes 5 minutes in a pre-shift meeting.
Update when your menu changes
Your allergen disclosure is a living document. Update it when you add items, change recipes, or switch suppliers. Build this into your menu-change process — every time a dish changes, re-check its allergens.
With a digital disclosure (QR code), updates take effect instantly — no reprinting needed.
That's It
Seven steps. For a small restaurant, steps 2–5 can realistically be done in 5–30 minutes depending on menu size. The longest part is verifying allergens for each item — and AI handles the heavy lifting.
Stop putting it off. SB-68 is already in effect, and voluntary compliance strengthens your defense you regardless of whether you're legally required.
Start Right Now
MenuComply handles steps 2–5 in one flow: upload your menu → AI identifies allergens → you verify → get a QR code + printable chart. Done.