Resources for Restaurants

Restaurants and other food service establishments should have a food allergy management plan and training for employees. Managers should conduct food allergy training and review of the restaurant’s food allergy management plan periodically to be sure that both new hires and existing employees are properly prepared.

• Restaurants should be able to supply, upon request, a list of ingredients for a menu item.
• During hours of operation, a restaurant should have at least one person on duty, ideally the manager, who can handle questions and special requests from guests with food allergies. Other staff members should know who that individual is and should direct questions about food allergies to that person.
• Employees should understand how cross-contact can occur. Keep in mind that improper garnishing or handling of a dish can contaminate an otherwise safe meal.
• If a mistake occurs with the special order, the only acceptable way to correct the situation is to have the kitchen staff discard the incorrect order and remake it.
• If a guest is having an allergic reaction, call 911 and get medical help immediately!

Resources for Restaurants

Download a free copy of our Welcoming Guests with Food Allergies program, designed to help food service establishments create a food allergy management plan and train employees.

Food Allergy and Cross-Contact Poster – This poster is designed to alert restaurant staff to common food allergens and includes key points to remember when handling food for a food-allergic guest. This poster, available in both English and in Spanish, may be downloaded and reproduced freely.

• Food Allergy and Cross-Contact Restaurant Poster, high resolution (11 x 17 tabloid size paper), low resolution (8.5 x 11 letter size paper)
• Food Allergy and Cross-Contact Restaurant Poster in Spanish
• Download a copy of our chef card, which we encourage individuals with food allergies to carry.