Food Allergies Are a Business Risk—Here’s How to Protect Your Customers and Your Restaurant
Food allergies aren’t just a personal health concern—they’re a major food safety issue that can put your restaurant at risk. With over 12 million Americans affected, according to the FDA, even a small mistake in the kitchen could have life-threatening consequences.
Georgia’s Food Service Rules (Chapter 511-6-1) now require food service establishments to notify customers in writing about allergens in unpackaged foods. This means restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and catering businesses must step up their game to keep diners safe and protect their business from liability.
What Does This Mean for Your Restaurant?
If you serve food, you must clearly disclose allergens—including milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame. These notifications must be written and easy for customers to find.
Here’s how you can do it: ✅ Add allergen info to your menus (printed or digital).
✅ Use signs and placards at ordering stations, display cases, and self-service areas.
✅ Provide brochures or table tents with allergen warnings.
✅ Ensure digital orders include allergen details.
💡 Pro Tip: Be specific when listing allergens. Instead of just saying “Contains tree nuts,” say “Contains almonds and walnuts” to eliminate confusion.
Training Your Staff is Non-Negotiable
Beyond customer notifications, your employees must be trained in allergen safety. Why? Because food-allergic customers often ask questions about ingredients, preparation methods, and cross-contact risks.
🚨 Allergen awareness training should include:
🔹 Understanding the nine major allergens and the risks they pose.
🔹 Recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, etc.).
🔹 Knowing how to prevent cross-contact in the kitchen.
🔹 Being transparent and confident when answering customer allergen concerns.
The Bottom Line? Allergen Compliance = Safer Customers + Protected Business
Failing to provide clear allergen information can lead to legal issues, lost customers, and even fatal incidents. The good news? Compliance isn’t complicated. A few simple adjustments—like updating menus, training staff, and using proper signage—can protect both your guests and your bottom line.
Want to ensure your business is fully compliant and ready to handle food allergens properly? Let's connect! I help restaurant owners stay ahead of regulations and improve food safety practices to build trust with their customers. 🚀
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