Bill
H 2418
Massachusetts eateries must clearly label major allergens in menu items or ingredient lists in English, helping allergic customers avoid exposure.
Overview
- Purpose: To require all establishments that serve food to clearly identify the presence and origin of major food allergens in the items offered, improving transparency for customers with food allergies and helping prevent allergic reactions.
- Scope: Applies to all eating establishments in Massachusetts that serve food. The information must be provided in English and made readily available to patrons and employees.
Key provisions
- Allergen disclosure: The bill adds new Section 48F to Chapter 94. Establishments must identify in the list of ingredients (or adjacent to the list of food products offered) the presence of ingredients containing protein derived from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, or soybeans. The disclosure can be done by listing the allergen on the menu or by saying “contains” followed by the allergen source.
- Location and accessibility: The allergen information must be on menus or on a separate food allergen list readily available to patrons and employees, or posted in a location easily viewable by all patrons and employees.
- English language requirement: The allergen information must be provided in English.
- Department of Public Health oversight: The bill allows the Department of Public Health to modify the allergen list requirements as needed.
Implementation and compliance
- Legislative vehicle: Inserted as Section 48F in Chapter 94. The text does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms within the bill excerpt; those details would be shaped by future rulemaking or amendments.
- Timing: The bill was introduced February 27, 2025 and referred to the Public Health committee. It is currently moving through the legislative process with committee hearings planned.
Procedural and timeline notes
- Legislative history: Referred to the Committee on Public Health on 2/27/2025. Senate concurrence cited in the filing record.
- Hearing status: The hearing on Public Health has been rescheduled to September 10, 2025, with updates to the virtual hearing end time. Initial scheduling noted 10:00 AM–1:00 PM (and later 10:00 AM–1:35 PM) with B-2 as the hearing location.
Related items
- Similar prior matter: House Bill 2167 (2023-2024) addressed comparable allergen disclosure requirements.
- Related bill reference: House Docket No. 1607 corresponds to this measure (HD 1607).
Impact
- Affected entities: Restaurants, cafeterias, bars, and any eating establishments that prepare and serve food in Massachusetts.
- Beneficiaries: Consumers with food allergies or sensitivities, staff responsible for food prep and customer service.
- Administrative effects: Requires establishment policy updates, potential menu or signage redesign, and periodic compliance checks aligned with Department of Public Health guidance.
Notes
- This summary reflects the bill text as filed and current procedural status; final provisions, penalties, and rulemaking details may evolve through the legislative process.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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