Allergen Awareness Training Law Effective January 1, 2018

Effective January 1, 2018, Food Service Sanitation Managers working in Category I restaurants are required to obtain ANSI-accredited allergen awareness training within 30 days of hire, and every three years thereafter.

What Employers Need to Know

• The law took 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.
• This training is required in addition to the current Sanitation Manager Certification.
• Food Service Managers must now receive both sanitation and allergen certification separately.
• There is no limit to how many times an employee can take the training.
• ANSI-accredited certificates are portable and transferable between employers.
• The law does not require employers to pay for the training.

Click here to learn more and register for ServSafe Allergens training available online in English and Spanish.

Click here to download an FAQ on allergen awareness training requirements. 

Please contact Mary Wilkie, IRA Director of Education, at mwilkie@illinoisrestaurants.org or call the IRA Education Department at (312) 787-4000 with any questions.