Allergen Management Checklist

What is an allergen management checklist? An allergen management checklist is a food safety inspection form ensuring proper handling of allergenic ingredients to prevent cross-contact and allergic reactions. Per FDA FALCPA, the 9 major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, sesame) must be declared. UK Natasha's Law requires full ingredient labeling on pre-packed foods. EU FIC 1169/2011 mandates declaration of 14 allergens. This checklist protects guests with foo

  • Industry: Food Service
  • Frequency: Every Service / Per Allergen Order
  • Estimated Time: Ongoing
  • Role: Allergen Lead / Kitchen Manager
  • Total Items: 48
  • Compliance: FDA FALCPA (Big 8 + Sesame), FASTER Act 2021 (Sesame), UK Natasha's Law (PPDS), EU FIC 1169/2011 (14 Allergens), FSSAI Allergen Labeling (India)

Allergen Inventory & Labeling

US: FDA FALCPA Big 8 allergens. UK: FSA 14 EU allergens. India: FSSAI allergen labeling. Brazil: ANVISA RDC 26/2015. Mexico: NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1.

  • Milk products identified and labeled?
  • Egg products identified and labeled?
  • Fish (species) identified and labeled?
  • Crustacean shellfish identified and labeled?
  • Tree nuts (specify types) identified and labeled?
  • Peanuts identified and labeled?
  • Wheat products identified and labeled?
  • Soy/soya products identified and labeled?
  • Sesame (FASTER Act 2021) identified and labeled?
  • Celery and celeriac identified (UK/EU)?
  • ...and 6 more items

Cross-Contact Prevention

Prevent allergen cross-contact during storage, prep, and cooking per FDA Food Code 2017, UK FSA guidance, FSSAI regulations.

  • Allergen-containing foods stored separately?
  • Dedicated equipment for allergen-free prep?
  • Color-coded equipment in use?
  • Allergen-free prep area sanitized before use?
  • Staff wash hands after handling allergens?
  • New gloves used for allergen-free orders?
  • Dedicated fryer for allergen-free items (or verified safe)?
  • Grill surface cleaned for allergen-free orders?
  • No shared utensils between allergen/non-allergen items?
  • Garnishes containing allergens controlled?

Allergen Order Communication

UK Natasha's Law requires written allergen info. FDA recommends clear communication chain.

  • Process in place for guest allergen inquiries?
  • Allergen orders clearly marked on tickets?
  • Verbal confirmation between FOH and kitchen?
  • Senior chef/manager involved in allergen orders?
  • Final plating verified allergen-free?
  • Allergen info communicated for delivery orders?

Staff Allergen Training

FDA Food Code, UK FSA, FSSAI require allergen awareness training for food handlers.

  • All kitchen staff completed allergen training?
  • Most recent training date
  • New staff receive allergen training before food handling?
  • Staff can recognize allergic reaction symptoms?
  • Emergency epinephrine location known (if stocked)?
  • Emergency protocol for allergic reactions posted?

Menu & Documentation

Written allergen documentation per UK Natasha's Law, FDA FALCPA, EU FIC 1169/2011.

  • Menu clearly indicates allergen-containing items?
  • Recipe cards list all allergens?
  • Process for updating allergen info when recipes change?
  • Supplier allergen declarations on file?
  • Pre-packed for direct sale items fully labeled (UK)?
  • Allergen order records maintained?

Initial Safety Assessment

Preliminary safety and compliance verification

  • Work area safe and hazard-free?
  • Required PPE available and in good condition?
  • Emergency exits clear and marked?
  • First aid supplies accessible?

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Why Use This Allergen Management Checklist?

This allergen management checklist helps food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for allergen lead / kitchen manager professionals, this checklist covers 48 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: every service / per allergen order.

Ensures compliance with FDA FALCPA (Big 8 + Sesame), FASTER Act 2021 (Sesame), UK Natasha's Law (PPDS), EU FIC 1169/2011 (14 Allergens), FSSAI Allergen Labeling (India). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Allergen Management Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 48 inspection items across 6 sections: Allergen Inventory & Labeling, Cross-Contact Prevention, Allergen Order Communication, Staff Allergen Training, Menu & Documentation, Initial Safety Assessment. It is designed for food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed every service / per allergen order. Each completion takes approximately Ongoing.

Who should use this Allergen Management Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Allergen Lead / Kitchen Manager professionals in the food service 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.

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