Allergy Awareness Requirements

The Act Relative to Food Allergy Awareness in Restaurants (FAAA) was signed into law by Governor Patrick in January 2009. The purpose of the Act is to minimize risk of illness and death due to accidental ingestion of food allergens by increasing restaurant industry and consumer awareness of regulations and best practices with respect to major food allergens.

• • A poster shall be prominently placed in employee work areas regarding:
    • Major food allergens
    • Health risk of food allergies
    • Procedures to follow if a customer states that they have a food allergy
    • Emergency procedures to follow if a customer has an allergic reaction. Posters are available for download, Food Allergies – English Version (PDF) or Food Allergies – Spanish Version (PDF)
  • Notice shall be placed on menus and menu boards which reads “before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy” (language must not be altered). To help with the training component of the new law, FAAN has updated its How to Read a Label for Food Allergens (PDF).

• • Food Allergy Awareness Training by the Certified Food Protection Manager. A certification shall be posted on site and will be valid for 5 years. The following vendors are approved for online training:
    • Berkshire Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
      703 W Housatonic Street
      Suite 208
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      For more information, visit the Berkshire Area Health Education Center website.
      To be trained by Berkshire AHEC:
      Email Timothy Diehl
      Phone 413-447-2417,
      or 866-976-AHEC (2432)
    • CompuWorks Systems, Incorporation
      591 N Avenue
      Door 2
      Wakefield, MA 01880
      For more information, visit the CompuWorks Systems, Incorporation website.
      To be trained by CompuWorks:
      Email
      Phone: 781-224-1113
    • Massachusetts Restaurant Association (MRA)
      333 Turnpike Road
      Suite 102
      Southborough, MA 01772
      For more information, visit the Massachusetts Restaurant Association website.
      To be trained by MRA:
      Visit the Massachusetts Restaurant Association website.
      Phone: 508-303-9905

• Approved Allergy Poster (PDF)
• Approved by MDPH to Provide Allergen Awareness Training (PDF)