HB1572: HB1572 Food service establishments; food allergy awareness; require certain actions

Georgia law currently does not require restaurants and other food service establishments to post information about food allergies for staff. This bill would add a new requirement to Georgia's food service establishment law (O.C.G.A. Title 26, Chapter 2, Article 13). Starting January 1, 2027, every food service establishment would have to prominently display a poster in its staff area covering food allergy awareness, including information about the risk of an allergic reaction. Before that, no later than November 1, 2026, the Department of Public Health would have to create or approve the poster's design and post it on the department's website so establishments can access and use it.

• Adds a new section to Georgia's food service establishment law requiring a food allergy awareness poster in staff areas starting January 1, 2027.
• Requires the posted material to include information about the risk of an allergic reaction.
• Directs the Department of Public Health to create or approve the required poster by November 1, 2026.
• Requires the Department of Public Health to make the approved poster available on its website for establishments to use.
• Repeals any existing state laws that conflict with the new requirement.

Restaurants and other food service establishments across Georgia, which must display the poster and train staff around it, and the Department of Public Health, which must design or approve the poster and publish it online.

Restaurant kitchen and service staff would have a mandatory reference posted where they work reminding them of food allergy risks, which could shape how establishments train employees to handle allergy concerns and respond to allergic reactions among customers.

• New Code Section 26-2-380(a) requires food service establishments to prominently display a food allergy awareness poster in staff areas starting January 1, 2027.
• Section 26-2-380(a) specifies the poster must include information regarding the risk of an allergic reaction.
• Section 26-2-380(b) requires the Department of Public Health to create or approve the poster by November 1, 2026 and post it on its website.
• Section 2 repeals any conflicting state laws.

1. 2026-03-20House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-03-19House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-18House Hopper (House)

• Anne Westbrook (D, HD-163)Primary sponsor
• Trey Kelley (R, HD-016)
• Long Tran (D, HD-080)
• Michelle Au (D, HD-050)
• Shea Roberts (D, HD-052)

• food allergy awareness
• restaurant regulations
• public health
• food service establishments