Allergen Labeling Basics Every Restaurant Should Know

Allergen information is a responsibility

For a guest with a serious allergy, the accuracy of your allergen information is not a nicety, it can be a matter of health. Treating it as a core responsibility, not an afterthought, is the foundation of doing this well.

Know the major allergens

A handful of ingredients account for most serious food allergies. Knowing which they are, and being able to say clearly which dishes contain them, is the baseline every kitchen should meet.

Be precise, not vague

A guest needs a clear yes or no, not a hedge. Precise, per dish allergen information lets staff answer confidently, which is far safer than a general disclaimer that helps no one decide.

Keep it current

Allergen information is only useful if it matches what is actually in the dish today. When a recipe or supplier changes, the information must change with it, or it quietly becomes wrong.