Food Allergen Awareness Training
Protect your customers and your business with comprehensive allergen safety training for Texas food service workers
Get Certified in Food Safety →⚠️ Critical Food Safety Knowledge
Food allergies affect 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children in the United States. Every food service worker must understand how to identify allergens, prevent cross-contact, and respond to customer allergy concerns. This training is included in our Texas Food Handler certification course.
Why Allergen Awareness Matters
Food allergies are a serious health concern that can lead to life-threatening reactions. Every food service worker needs proper training.
Life-Threatening Reactions
Food allergies can cause severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding allergens can save lives.
Protect Customers
32 million Americans have food allergies. Proper allergen awareness training ensures you can serve all customers safely and confidently.
Legal Protection
Restaurants can be held liable for allergic reactions. Proper training demonstrates your commitment to food safety and reduces legal risk.
Business Reputation
Word spreads quickly about restaurants that take allergies seriously. Proper allergen management builds customer trust and loyalty.
DSHS Compliance
Texas Department of State Health Services requires food handlers to understand allergen safety. Our training meets all state requirements.
Professional Development
Allergen awareness is an essential skill for any food service professional. Demonstrate your expertise and commitment to food safety.
The "Big 9" Major Food Allergens
These 9 allergens account for over 90% of all food allergic reactions in the United States
Milk
Dairy products, butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and milk-based ingredients
Eggs
Whole eggs, egg whites, egg yolks, and egg-based ingredients in baked goods
Fish
All finned fish including bass, cod, salmon, tuna, and anchovies
Shellfish
Crustaceans (shrimp, crab, lobster) and mollusks (clams, oysters, mussels)
Tree Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, and other tree-grown nuts
Peanuts
Peanuts and peanut-based products (peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts)
Wheat
Wheat flour, bread, pasta, crackers, and wheat-based ingredients
Soybeans
Soy sauce, tofu, edamame, soy milk, and soy-based ingredients
Sesame
Sesame seeds, tahini, sesame oil (added as 9th major allergen in 2023)
🔍 Hidden Allergens
Allergens can hide in unexpected places: sauces, seasonings, marinades, cooking oils, and garnishes. Always check ingredient labels and inform customers when asked about allergen content.
Essential Allergen Safety Topics
Comprehensive training covering all aspects of food allergen management
Understanding Food Allergies
- Difference between food allergies and food intolerances
- How allergic reactions occur in the body
- Symptoms of allergic reactions (mild to severe)
- Recognizing anaphylaxis and emergency response
- Common allergens and their prevalence
- Reading and understanding food labels
Cross-Contact Prevention
- How cross-contact differs from cross-contamination
- Common sources of allergen cross-contact in kitchens
- Proper cleaning and sanitizing to remove allergens
- Using dedicated equipment and utensils for allergen-free prep
- Storing allergen-free foods separately
- Proper handwashing and glove changing procedures
Customer Communication
- How to respond to customer allergy questions professionally
- Never guess - always verify ingredients with kitchen/management
- Communicating allergen requests to kitchen staff clearly
- Being honest about uncertainty regarding allergen content
- Suggesting safe menu alternatives for customers with allergies
- Taking allergen requests seriously every time
Kitchen Procedures
- Implementing allergen-aware cooking procedures
- Designating allergen-free preparation areas
- Using separate cutting boards, knives, and cookware
- Proper ingredient storage and labeling
- Training all staff on allergen protocols
- Regular equipment cleaning between allergen-free orders
Legal Requirements
- FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act
- Texas food safety regulations regarding allergens
- Menu labeling requirements for allergen information
- Documentation and record-keeping best practices
- Liability issues and legal responsibilities
- Health department inspection requirements
Get Certified in Food Safety
Allergen awareness training is included in our Texas Food Handler Certification course
Enroll in Food Handler Course →Allergen Management Best Practices
Industry-leading procedures to keep customers with food allergies safe
Before Service
- Review menu ingredients and identify all allergen-containing items
- Create an allergen matrix or chart for quick reference
- Ensure all staff know where to find allergen information
- Stock allergen-free alternatives when possible
- Set up dedicated allergen-free prep areas
- Conduct daily allergen safety briefings with staff
During Service
- Always take allergy requests seriously - never dismiss them
- Alert kitchen staff immediately about allergen orders
- Use clean utensils and cookware for allergen-free meals
- Prepare allergen-free items in designated clean areas
- Double-check all ingredients before cooking
- Clearly label allergen-free plates in the kitchen
- Personally deliver allergen-free orders when possible
After Service
- Document any allergen-related incidents or near-misses
- Review procedures if any issues occurred
- Thoroughly clean and sanitize all allergen-contact surfaces
- Properly store allergen-free ingredients separately
- Update allergen information if menu items change
- Provide ongoing allergen training to all staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about food allergen awareness and safety
What is the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance?
A food allergy involves the immune system and can cause severe, life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis). Food intolerance involves the digestive system and typically causes uncomfortable but not life-threatening symptoms like bloating or upset stomach. Allergies require strict avoidance, while intolerances may allow small amounts.
How do I prevent cross-contact with allergens?
Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and cookware for allergen-free meals. Clean and sanitize all surfaces thoroughly between uses. Store allergen-free ingredients separately. Wash hands and change gloves before preparing allergen-free food. Cook allergen-free items in clean pans with fresh oil.
What should I do if a customer asks about allergens?
Take the request seriously and never guess. Check with the kitchen or management to verify ingredients. If you're unsure about any ingredient, be honest with the customer. Offer to suggest menu items that are known to be allergen-free. Always communicate allergen requests clearly to the kitchen staff.
Are restaurants required to provide allergen information?
While restaurants aren't required to have allergen-free options, they must provide accurate information when asked. The FDA requires packaged foods to list major allergens, but restaurants should have systems to identify allergens in menu items and communicate this information to customers.
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
Mild symptoms include hives, itching, tingling mouth, or upset stomach. Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis) include difficulty breathing, swelling of throat or tongue, rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 call and epinephrine injection if available.
Can cooking eliminate allergens?
No. Unlike bacteria, allergens are not destroyed by cooking, freezing, or other food preparation methods. Once an allergen is present in food, it remains dangerous to allergic individuals. This is why preventing cross-contact is so critical.
Why was sesame added as the 9th major allergen?
In January 2023, sesame became the 9th major allergen due to increasing prevalence of sesame allergies in the U.S. The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act added sesame to the list of major allergens requiring disclosure on food labels.
Where can I get allergen awareness training?
Allergen awareness is included in our Texas Food Handler Certification course. The course covers all major allergens, cross-contact prevention, customer communication, and legal requirements. Learn more about Food Handler certification.
Protect Your Customers with Proper Training
Get comprehensive allergen awareness training as part of your Texas Food Handler Certification
Get Certified Today →Questions? Call us at (888) 645-1990 or email support@foodhandlersoftexas.com