LOS ANGELES, CA (KMOX) - People with potentially life-threatening food allergies say it's often too much work to figure out if a restaurant is safe. A new study says that's costing restaurants billions of dollars in lost revenue.
The study by Nutritics -- a company that helps with menu, recipe, nutrition, allergen and compliance data -- estimates restaurants are leaving $12.6 billion on the table each year. CEO Stephen Nolan says 95% of allergy-affected diners surveyed say they've decided against a restaurant because they couldn’t easily find clear allergen information. "And it really percolates beyond just the allergy-affected diner but also actually to their family and friends as well."
Roughly 33 million Americans have at least one food allergy. A majority of those surveyed say they would have more trust in a restaurant if ingredients were clearly listed for every menu item.
A new California law took effect in July that requires foodservice operators to provide clear, accurate allergen information to customers.
