Founder’s Thoughts: SB-68 - A Glimpse of the Dining Future

The first time I heard a waiter say, “I’m not sure,” in response to my question about gluten, I felt my heart sink. For anyone living with dietary needs, those words carry so much more than uncertainty. They carry fear, exclusion, and hesitation. I’ve lived that moment countless times since being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease at 18 months old. And every time, it reminds me why change is so desperately needed.

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That’s why this week, when I read that California has introduced SB-68, my first reaction was excitement and hope. This is a bill that would require restaurants to provide clear, accurate allergen information on menus and ensure staff are trained to handle allergen requests responsibly (official bill text here).

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In the words of the legislation, the goal is simple: “to reduce the risk of allergic reactions by ensuring transparency and accountability in food service. ”For millions of people with allergies, Coeliac Disease, and other dietary needs, this is more than law; it is liberation.

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For me, it represents the kind of dining culture I’ve always dreamed of. One where I don’t have to scan menus for clues or second-guess every bite. One where dining is about connection, not compromise.

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What SB-68 Represents

For too long, the burden of navigating dining safely has fallen on individuals. SB-68 represents a cultural shift, placing responsibility on the industry to create environments where safety is built in, not an afterthought. Training staff, standardising allergen menus, and ensuring consistency are not radical ideas; they are basic steps to make dining accessible to all.

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And here’s the truth I’ve lived: food is never just about eating. It is about community, social connection, and belonging. When someone is excluded from the table because they cannot trust the menu, we all lose.

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Allergen Transparency: From California to the UK

Is it only a matter of time before we see similar legislation here? The UK’s Food Standards Agency already requires businesses to provide information on the 14 major allergens, whether in writing or verbally, and to ensure staff are trained. But SB-68 shows how expectations are evolving. The UK food service industry should view it as a glimpse of what lies ahead: greater clarity on menus, stronger staff training, and an emphasis on consistency. The question is: will restaurants wait until they’re forced to adapt, or will they take the lead now?

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Forward-thinking restaurants that invest in allergen transparency today won’t just be compliant tomorrow. They will already be known as trusted, inclusive, and welcoming.

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Where TasteBuddy Fits In

That’s where TasteBuddy comes in. We’re building the UK’s first comprehensive dining ecosystem for people with dietary requirements, not just an app but a movement.

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For users like me, TasteBuddy means freedom: the ability to discover places where we can dine with confidence, share memories, and feel included.

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For restaurants, TasteBuddy means opportunity: a simple, free way to demonstrate transparency, attract loyal customers, and get ahead of looming legislative change.

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We make it simple for restaurants to list allergen information, connect with diners searching for safe dining UK options, and become recognised as pioneers in inclusivity. And we’re offering this support for free because inclusion should never be a barrier to entry.

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FAQs: What Does SB-68 Mean for UK Restaurants?

Will UK restaurants need to prepare for similar allergen laws?

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Yes. While UK allergen regulations already cover the 14 major allergens, SB-68points to a future of stronger menu-level transparency and mandatory training. Restaurants that prepare now will not only be ready but will stand out as trusted venues.

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How can restaurants take the lead before laws change?

‍By working with platforms like TasteBuddy to publish clear allergen menus, train staff effectively, and communicate openly with diners. This builds trust and loyalty long before compliance deadlines arrive.

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For diners:

👉Download the TasteBuddy app today and find restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the experience.

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For restaurants:
👉Email us at restaurants@taste-buddy.co.uk and take the first step to becoming a pioneer in inclusive dining.

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Reading about SB-68 reminded me of every anxious glance at a menu, every uncertain conversation with a waiter, and every moment I wondered if I was safe. That’s why I built TasteBuddy: so that no one else must feel that exclusion.

SB-68 shows us the future. TasteBuddy ensures we don’t have to wait for the law to catch up; we can create that future now, together.

Because dining is a right, not a privilege.

Alex
Founder, TasteBuddy

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