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In January 2009, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the Food Allergy Awareness Act. This Act is designed to minimize the risk of illness and death due to accidental food allergens by increasing awareness. It is estimated the 12 million people in the United States have food allergies. This is a state wide mandate in Massachusetts.
By October 1, 2010 all food service establishments must:
The notice must be worded exactly in this manner, with no variations.
Other options for compliance with the menu notice are:
By October 1, 2010 all food service establishments must:
Download and print a copy of the Allergen Awareness Poster (PDF).
By February 1, 2011 all food service establishments must have on staff a certified food protection manager who has been issued a Massachusetts certificate of allergen awareness training by an allergen awareness training verification program recognized by the Department of Public Health. The Department of Public Health has yet to release the certification programs that will be available to comply with this part of the regulation. We will provide this information as soon as it becomes available.
For some answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Allergen Awareness Act (PDF).
To register a complaint, please call 508-821-1400 so that your issue can be addressed in a timely manner.