Food allergens and cross-contact

Section 1 of 4Understand the risk

A guest reports a sesame allergy, and today’s sauce has changed. What can you honestly promise? Servers, kitchen teams, banquets and runners share responsibility for an accurate allergy handoff.

9 allergensMajor allergens recognized in federal labeling law

Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame are the nine major allergens. Sesame requirements took effect January 1, 2023. Other foods can cause allergies too. Record and escalate every stated allergy.

Section 2 of 4Notice warning signs

Substituted sauces, garnishes and beverage ingredients can change a familiar recipe. Shared utensils, surfaces, fryer oil or storage can introduce an unintended allergen. An allergy note or verified plate identity can disappear between server, kitchen, runner and guest.

Federal labeling law identifies major allergens. A familiar recipe or absent “may contain” warning cannot verify a guest’s meal.

FDA’s 2026 model Food Code calls for duty-specific allergy awareness. Local adoption determines food-service requirements. Use the site’s allergy service plan.

Section 3 of 4Choose a safer next step

Repeat and record the allergen; involve the allergy lead before promising suitability. Verify current labels, recipes, substitutions and separation and cleaning controls for hands, utensils and equipment. Preserve the allergy message and verified plate identity through delivery.

Stop suspected food. For breathing difficulty, throat swelling, faintness, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 911 immediately; follow dispatchers.

Safety boundary: No tasting or preparation during this activity, which cannot certify allergen-free food or qualify you to diagnose reactions or administer medication.

Section 4 of 4Practice the decision

Scenario: A sesame-allergic guest orders a familiar dish. Today’s replacement sauce label is unavailable. What must the server verify before accepting the request?

Practice activity (4 min)

1. Think 30 secIdentify the risk.
2. Discuss 90 secAgree a safer plan.
3. Compare 1 minCheck your plan below.
4. Commit 1 minChoose your next-shift action.

Learner check

Sources

• FDA food-allergy guidance
• CDC allergy-reaction guidance
• FDA model allergy-awareness code (2026)
• FDA emergency guidance

Bonus resources

Free outside material to go deeper. These open on the publisher's site.

• Restaurants: free FARE resourcesFood Allergy Research & Education (FARE, nonprofit) · Free posters (cross-contact, guest steps, anaphylaxis)