IRA on WTTW: What You Need to Know about Illinois' Allergen Awareness Training Law

Chicago Tonight recently spoke with IRA President & CEO Sam Toia about the requirements of Illinois' new allergen awareness training law going into effect January 1, 2018. Sam detailed the provisions of the law and what restaurants can do to comply. Here's what employers need to know:

• The law takes effect January 1, 2018, with enforcement beginning on July 1, 2018.
  • After July 1, 2018, health inspectors will require proof of ANSI-accredited allergen training during routine health inspections. 
    
• Certified Food Service Sanitation Managers working in Category I restaurants in Illinois are required to receive ANSI-accredited allergen awareness training within 30 days of hire, and every 3 years thereafter.
  
• Restaurant Categories - or risk levels - are indicated on Food Service Health Inspection Reports, and can also be confirmed by local health departments.
• ANSI-accredited certificates are portable and transferable between employers.
• The law does not require employers to pay for the training.

 Click here to download an FAQ. Click here to register for ServSafe Allergens training available online in English and Spanish. Until December 31, 2017, training is available for a special discounted price of $15 with the code: ILALLERGEN. 

Please contact Mary Wilkie, IRA Director of Education, at mwilkie@illinoisrestaurants.org or call the IRA Education Department at (312) 380-4110 with any questions. 

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