Bill > HB181

This bill requires restaurants in Maryland to disclose the presence of main food allergens, which are defined by federal law (21 U.S.C. § 321), in their menu items to customers. This requirement does not apply to prepackaged foods already subject to federal allergen labeling. Restaurants can fulfill this disclosure by including the information on their menus, providing it digitally via a QR code, or offering separate allergen-specific materials like charts or booklets. The bill also renumbers existing sections of Maryland law and clarifies that a "facility" does not include a grocery store or restaurant when referring to certain educational provisions. Violations of these allergen disclosure requirements could result in misdemeanor charges, fines, imprisonment, or civil penalties, with each day of violation counting as a separate offense, and these provisions will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0181?ys=2026RS