Allergen-Free Kitchen Preparation Checklist

Complete this allergen-free preparation checklist BEFORE preparing any allergen-free meal. Cross-contact with allergens can cause severe reactions or death in allergic individuals.

Industry: Food & Beverage
Frequency: Before each allergen-free order
Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
Role: Chef / Kitchen Manager
Total Items: 36
Compliance: FDA FALCPA, FDA FASTER Act (Big 9), EU FIC 1169/2011, UK Natasha's Law, Canada SFCR Priority Allergens

Guest Communication & Order Verification

Confirm allergen requirements with service staff and guest.

Specific allergen(s) confirmed with server/guest?
Severity of allergy discussed (anaphylaxis risk)?
Menu item ingredients reviewed for allergen?
Safe substitutions discussed if needed?
Chef/kitchen manager personally notified?

Ingredient Verification

Verify all ingredients are allergen-free.

All ingredient labels checked for allergen?
'May contain' / cross-contact warnings reviewed?
Ingredients not fried in shared fryer with allergen?
Manufacturer spec sheets available for verification?
All sauces, dressings, marinades verified?
Garnishes verified allergen-free?

Workspace Preparation

Prepare dedicated allergen-free work area.

Work surface thoroughly cleaned and sanitized?
Preparation area separated from allergen handling?
Color-coded cutting board used (if system in place)?
Clean apron/gloves worn?
Hands washed thoroughly before preparation?

Equipment & Utensils

Use clean or dedicated equipment.

All utensils clean and allergen-free?
Pots/pans thoroughly cleaned or dedicated?
Fresh/dedicated cooking oil used?
Griddle/grill surface cleaned before use?
Dedicated allergen-free equipment used if available?

Preparation & Cooking

Allergen-safe cooking practices.

Allergen-free order prepared FIRST (before regular orders)?
No cross-contact during cooking?
Cooked separately from allergen-containing items?
Protected from steam/splash of allergen-containing foods?
No tasting with shared utensils?

Plating & Delivery

Safe plating and service procedures.

Clean plate from allergen-free storage?
Final garnish verified allergen-free?
Order clearly identified as allergen-free?
Server informed this is allergen-free order?
Delivered on separate tray from allergen orders?
Manager/chef verifies order before delivery?

Emergency Preparedness

Ensure emergency procedures are in place.

Staff know location of guest's epinephrine (if disclosed)?
Anaphylaxis emergency protocol known?
Emergency numbers posted (911, poison control)?
Staff trained in allergy emergency response?

Related Food Beverage Checklists

Related Food Safety Checklists

Why Use This Allergen?

This allergen helps food & beverage teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for chef / kitchen manager professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: before each allergen-free order.

Ensures compliance with FDA FALCPA, FDA FASTER Act (Big 9), EU FIC 1169/2011, UK Natasha's Law, Canada SFCR Priority Allergens. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Allergen cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: Guest Communication & Order Verification, Ingredient Verification, Workspace Preparation, Equipment & Utensils, Preparation & Cooking, Plating & Delivery, Emergency Preparedness. It is designed for food & beverage operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed before each allergen-free order. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Allergen?

This checklist is designed for Chef / Kitchen Manager professionals in the food & beverage industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.