FARE Unveils New Resources to Promote Food Allergy Awareness in the Workplace Ahead of Food Allergy Awareness Week, May 11–17

McLEAN, Va. — May 11, 2025 — As more organizations roll out Return-to-Office (RTO) protocols, and in recognition of Food Allergy Awareness Week May 11–17, FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is calling on employers to make their offices Food Allergy-Aware workplaces and is providing new tools to support that effort.

New resources include an updated Myths and Facts guide, a Food Allergy-Aware Workplace flyer for common areas, and a curated selection of articles to help individuals in the food allergy community navigate workplace situations.

“A food allergy reaction can happen anywhere, including at work,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “As more companies bring employees back to in-person settings, there’s a renewed need for food allergy awareness in the workplace. Shared spaces like kitchens, breakrooms, conference rooms, and work events all require extra care for those managing food allergy. FARE encourages employers to be Food Allergy-Aware and is providing the tools to help. Simple steps like posting tips to prevent cross-contact in shared kitchens and sharing the Myths and Facts of food allergy can make a meaningful difference in creating a safer work environment.” 

Examples from the Myths and Facts guide include:  

• Myth: “Food allergies are not that serious.”  
• Fact: Food allergy is a potentially life-threatening disease. Every 10 seconds in the U.S., a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room.
• Myth: “A little bit of the food won’t hurt anyone.”
• Fact: Even a trace amount of a food allergen can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis in some people. Avoiding cross-contact between a safe food and a food allergen is just as important as avoiding the allergen itself.

Along with the Myths and Facts guide, a full suite of resources is available here to help employers and individuals with food allergy navigate workplace challenges.

Articles include: 

• Navigating the Office Kitchen
• First Steps for the Workplace
• Meetings, Conferences, and Business Trips
• Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis

FARE's new downloadable materials are designed to be posted in shared spaces to build awareness and encourage all to take simple steps that help protect those with food allergy. For more information, visit www.FoodAllergy.org.