In a major step forward for allergen safety and transparency, New York has become the first U.S. state to require allergen labeling on pre-packaged foods prepared and sold on-site — a change that will reshape how delis, bakeries, food trucks, and other food establishments handle allergen disclosure.
This new requirement takes effect in November 2026, giving businesses time to prepare — but the implications are important for every restaurant or distributor selling pre-packaged food in New York. Here's what you need to know.
📌 What the Law Requires
Under the new New York allergen labeling law:
- Any food prepared and packaged on the same premises before sale must clearly indicate if it contains a major food allergen.
- The law applies to grab-and-go items like sandwiches, bakery goods, salads, prepared foods, and similar packaged items.
- Written notification of allergen presence must be on the packaging or an attached label — a simple sticker is sufficient.
- Importantly, the law does not require a full ingredient list, only identification of any of the top nine major allergens recognized by FDA.
The Nine Major Allergens
This aligns with current federal definitions under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act and FDA guidance.
🍔 Who Must Comply
This requirement impacts a wide range of food businesses, including:
- Delis and sandwich shops
- Bakeries and cake shops
- Cafeterias and grab-and-go counters
- Food trucks and market vendors
- Ice cream parlors and specialty food retailers
If you prepare food on-site and sell it pre-packaged — even without a traditional retail space — this law applies to you.
🗓 Implementation Timeline
New York's allergen labeling mandate will go into effect in November 2026, giving operators roughly one year to:
- Update packaging and labeling processes
- Train staff on allergen disclosure procedures
- Implement reliable allergen tracking systems
This transition period is crucial — early preparation can help ensure compliance and reduce risk.
📍 What Restaurants Should Do Now
Here are practical next steps your team can take before the law takes effect:
1. Conduct an Allergen Audit
Identify which menu items contain any of the top nine allergens.
2. Design Labeling Templates
Create clear labels (sticker or printed) that can be affixed to each pre-packaged item.
3. Train Staff
Train kitchen and front-of-house teams on allergen identification and labeling standards.
4. Integrate with Technology
Use systems to track allergens, ingredients, and labeling compliance at scale.
🍽️ Looking Beyond New York
While this law currently applies only in New York, its passage signals a broader national shift toward greater allergen transparency in food service. Other states are watching closely, and similar requirements may emerge elsewhere in the coming years.
Restaurants and distributors can view this not as a regulatory burden, but as an opportunity to lead in allergy-friendly service standards.
💡 How Foodini Can Help
At Foodini, we're committed to helping food operators turn regulatory change into operational strength. Whether you're a New York deli adapting to the new law, or a multi-state distributor preparing for future requirements, our platform enables:
Learn more about how Foodini can streamline your allergen processes at foodini.co.