Why Your Staff Should be Trained in Common Food Allergies | Learn 2 Serve
Channel: Learn2Serve®
Date: 2018-01-19

Here are reasons why food allergen training is important for your staff. Food Safety training on common food allergies and more.

Why Your Staff Should be Trained in Common Food Allergies

Did you know that 15 million Americans have food allergies? It can get tricky when people with food allergies are dining out. The best way to accommodate food allergies and prevent reactions is comprehensive food safety training.

Food Allergies and Symptoms
Milk, eggs, nuts, and seafood are the most common food allergies.  Food allergy symptoms include:

• Hives 
• Tingling mouth
• Swelling lips or face
• Respiratory trouble 
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Anaphylaxis


Food Allergy Regulations
The FDA requires food manufacturers to list common food allergens on food labeling. There are no national laws yet for restaurants. But a few states do have food allergy regulations:

• Illinois: Managers with allergen training
• Massachusetts:  Certified food protection manager, food allergy awareness poster, and menu notice requesting disclosure of patron allergies
• Maryland: Food allergy awareness poster
• Michigan: Certified food safety manager with training in food allergies
• Rhode Island: Certified food protection manager, food allergy awareness poster, and menu notice requesting disclosure of patron allergies
• Virginia: Food allergy training


Food Allergies in Restaurants
Some guests may neglect to inform servers of their allergies. Unless they’re trained, some servers and food handlers may be unaware of common allergies or which dishes include an allergen. It may not be obvious that a dish or food contains allergens. And cross contact in the kitchen is enough to cause a reaction.


Food Allergy Policies
Some restaurants have taken steps to address allergies, including:

• Inquiring about guests’ food allergies 
• Relaxed “no substitutions” policies
• Special allergen-free dishes
• Food allergy warnings on menus
• Staff training


Training Can Prevent Reactions
A little knowledge can go a long way. A section on food allergies in a food safety course can educate and prepare staff to deal with possible allergies. It’s important employees know which dishes contain common food allergens. A reaction in a restaurant can have devastating consequences for diners and the restaurant.


Food Allergy Training is Good for Business
The increase in food allergies has led many food establishments to take steps to help sufferers.  When consumers see your restaurant going the extra mile to keep them safe, your reputation will improve and you’ll see an increase in repeat guests and positive reviews.



Sources:
https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/advocacy-resources/advocacy-priorities/food-allergies-and-restaurants
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/home/ovc-20317253
https://www.foodallergy.org/common-allergens

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