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Bill > A4826
NJ A4826
NJ A4826Requires food service businesses to provide written notice of major food allergens in each menu item.
summary
Introduced
05/04/2026
05/04/2026
In Committee
05/04/2026
05/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires food service businesses to provide written notification of major food allergens in each menu item. A major food allergen, as defined under the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act," includes foods or food groups such as milk, egg, fish (e.g., bass, flounder, or cod), crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, or shrimp), tree nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, or walnuts), wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. Under the bill, any food service business organized under the laws of this State is required to provide written notice of major food allergens that it knows or reasonably should know are present in the ingredients of each menu item, including temporary menu items. Food service businesses are required to provide this information: (1) directly on the food service business's menu; (2) in a digital format, including a quick response code, provided that the code directs customers to an Internet website that contains the information required under the bill; or (3) on other written materials including a separate menu, chart, grid, or booklet. A food service business that is required to provide major food allergen information under the provisions of this bill is required to, when providing the information, use: (1) common or usual names of the major food allergens; or (2) standardized icons or symbols approved by the Commissioner of Health to communicate the presence of major food allergens. The Department of Health, or the local board of health or the board, body, or officers exercising the functions of the local board of health according to law, upon written complaint or having reason to suspect that a violation has occurred is to, by written notification, advise the food service business accordingly and order appropriate action to be taken.
AI Summary
This bill requires food service businesses, defined as any establishment selling food for on or off-premises consumption, to provide written notice of major food allergens present in each menu item, including temporary items available for less than 30 days per year. Major food allergens are defined by federal law and include common allergens like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. This information must be presented either directly on the menu, through a digital format like a quick response (QR) code that links to an online list, or on separate written materials such as a chart or booklet. When listing allergens, businesses must use their common names or standardized icons approved by the Commissioner of Health. The Department of Health or local health authorities will investigate complaints and order corrective actions if violations are found, and the Commissioner of Health will establish necessary regulations. This act does not apply to prepackaged foods already subject to federal allergen labeling.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (11)
Margie Donlon (D)*,
Cody Miller (D)*,
William Sampson (D)*,
Katie Brennan (D),
Linda Carter (D),
Melinda Kane (D),
Robert Karabinchak (D),
Carmen Morales (D),
Luanne Peterpaul (D),
Heather Simmons (D),
Michael Venezia (D),
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 05/04/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A4826 | 03/23/2026 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A5000/4826_I1.HTM | 05/05/2026 |
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