Allergen Awareness

9 Food Allergens You Need to Know

Posted by
Trust20 Contributors • 3 minute read
Share:

Trust20 recently outlined the differences between a food allergy, intolerance, and preference–but what kinds of food allergies are out there? Food Allergy Research & Education notes that food allergies are a life-threatening medical condition affecting 32 million Americans. In fact, one in every 13 children has a food allergy.1

A food allergy occurs when someone’s immune system overreacts to a protein or enzyme in a food. These immune responses range from mild to severe and some symptoms can even be mistaken for symptoms of other medical conditions. It is important for everyone who works in foodservice to understand the severity of food allergies and know what to look out for when someone at their table or in their establishment says they are allergic to a particular food.‍

In this article, we will cover:

What to look for

Preventing allergic reactions in foodservice environments

The bottom line

What to look for

It is required by law that food packaging identify allergens in a product and whether or not the product was prepared in a facility where there is risk for cross-contact with allergens.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) identified eight foods as major allergens and, in April 2021, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act was signed–declaring the U.S. recognizes a ninth major food allergen.

The most common food allergens include:

It became mandatory to label sesame as a major allergen in all packaged foods regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 1, 2023.

Preventing allergic reactions in foodservice environments

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to practice safe food handling procedures. There are eight key ways to prevent allergic reactions in a foodservice environment:

The bottom line

Food allergies are incredibly common and you never know how severe someone’s allergic reaction may be just by looking at them. Taking the appropriate steps to prevent cross-contact of foods will protect you, your guests, as well as the establishment serving them. It is also vital you ensure you and your team all know the proper procedures and protocols in case someone has an allergic reaction in your restaurant.


Sources:

  1. FARE: What is a Food Allergy?
Recommended Articles
Is Trust20 Legit? Food Handler Training, Manager Certification, and More
Is Trust20 Legit? Food Handler Training, Manager Certification, and More
Food safety should not be a gamble; it should be a guarantee. Foodborne illnesses not only have dire consequences for customers, but they can also severely impact an establishment's reputation and bottom line.
Continue Reading
You Need to Know: Temperature Danger Zone
You Need to Know: Temperature Danger Zone
There is one tried and true principle in food handler safety: keep hot food hot, and cold food cold. This is the best way for foodservice workers to keep food out of the "Danger Zone," or the temperature range where bacteria can grow at an alarming rate.
Continue Reading
Food Safety Management: How to Audit Your Establishment's Hygiene Protocols
Food Safety Management: How to Audit Your Establishment's Hygiene Protocols
Every foodservice establishment is required to have hygiene protocols in place to ensure cleanliness is a top priority in the daily operations of each business. The safety and health of staff and customers are key in any food business. Best practices are essential for maintaining a clean establishment. Best practices can also reduce the potential of cross-contamination while ensuring your business is in line with food safety regulations, which are overseen by international organizations, federal agencies, and local health departments such as the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS). To ensure your establishment’s hygiene protocols meet current regulations and the most current methodology, it’s essential to audit best practices on a regular basis. The food industry is constantly evolving, and regular hygiene practice audits will help keep you and your establishment compliant with current standards. Below, we’ll cover: Why should I regularly review my establishment’s existing hygiene protocols? How frequently should hygiene protocols be reviewed for food safety? What areas of foodservice hygiene practices should I review on a regular basis? What steps should I take when reviewing hygiene protocols?
Continue Reading
Protect Food Safety: How to Create Hygiene Protocols and Best Practices
Protect Food Safety: How to Create Hygiene Protocols and Best Practices
Your hygiene protocols are essential to preventing a foodborne illness outbreak at your establishment–not to mention the long-term success of your business. Every operator and manager who oversees a foodservice business should create standard hygiene practices and expect their entire team to consistently and carefully adhere to them. These protocols cover a range of activities, including cleaning, sanitization, and personal hygiene. Other basic habits and routines like handwashing, sanitizing food prep surfaces, and regular facility cleaning help you and your team maintain a safe food environment, reduce food safety incidents, and comply with relevant laws and regulations. Understanding why and how to implement structured safe food handling practices in your establishment will make protecting your customers second-nature, so you can focus on providing an exceptional experience for everyone who walks in your door. Keep reading to learn more about hygiene protocol, including: What are hygiene protocols? Why are hygiene protocols important to the food industry? What best practices should my hygiene protocols include? How do I create a hygiene protocol plan?
Continue Reading