Public Health – Restaurants – Disclosure of Main Food Allergens

HB 181 requires restaurants in Maryland to provide written disclosure of main food allergens (like peanuts, shellfish, or dairy) present in each menu item, using common names or simple pictograms. This directly affects restaurants serving food (excluding grocery stores or prepackaged items covered by federal labeling rules) and helps customers with food allergies make informed choices. Restaurants can meet this requirement by including allergen information on menus, digital menus via QR codes, or separate allergen charts/booklets. The bill updates existing health code sections to implement this disclosure rule, with penalties for noncompliance including fines up to $2,500 for repeat violations.