How to Manage Food Allergies: Tips for Every Venue

1. Train Your Team Thoroughly

All staff—from kitchen porters to head chefs and front-of-house—should know:

What the 14 allergens are

How cross-contamination happens

What to do in an emergency

Regular refresher training is a must.

2. Label Clearly and Transparently

For chip shops, cafés and takeaways:

Use clear signage: “Please ask about allergens”

Have ingredient sheets or digital records easily accessible

Label pre-packed foods with full allergen info

For restaurants and hotels:

Include allergen info on menus or provide a separate allergen matrix

Waitstaff must be trained to answer questions accurately and check with the kitchen if unsure

3. Keep Cross-Contamination in Check

In smaller kitchens, it can be tricky—but not impossible. Best practices include:

Using separate utensils, boards and pans for allergen-free orders

Cleaning surfaces and hands thoroughly

Colour-coding tools and storage

Having clearly marked zones or times for preparing allergen-free dishes

4. Ask—Don’t Assume

Make it standard for staff to ask customers:

“Do you or anyone in your group have any allergies?”

This question signals that you care and helps avoid misunderstandings.

5. Have a Plan for Emergencies

Every venue should have:

A written allergy protocol

Staff who know how to recognise an allergic reaction (e.g. swelling, difficulty breathing)

A clear process for calling emergency services

6. Use Tech and Signage Wisely

Apps, QR codes, digital menus, and allergen kiosks are becoming more common in modern venues. But remember—technology must support human interaction, not replace it. Always back up digital info with trained staff.

A Safer, More Inclusive Experience

Customers with food allergies are loyal and appreciative of businesses that make the effort to keep them safe. A little care and preparation go a long way in building trust and ensuring positive reviews and repeat visits.

No matter your venue's size, style or price point, making your food allergy policy visible and robust is not just a legal duty — it’s an essential part of excellent hospitality.

Want to improve your allergen handling?

Consider accredited training schemes like:

FSA Allergen Training (Free Online) https://allergytraining.food.gov.uk

Allergy UK’s Allergy Aware Scheme

Level 2 Award in Food Allergen Awareness (CIEH, Highfield etc.)