Food Allergy Awareness

The new Food Allergy Awareness Act went into effect on October 1, 2010 in the State of Massachusetts. The act will enhance industry and consumer awareness of major food allergens, and will help prevent illness and/or death in people with food allergies.

Food Establishments

• As of October 1, 2010, food establishments such as restaurants and other places that make and serve food will be required to display a poster approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The poster needs to include specific information about food allergens and what to do if customers say they have allergies, as well as what to do if customers have allergic reactions to the food.
• As of October 1, 2010, place notices in menus and menu boards that say, "Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy."
• As of February 1, 2011, have a staff person who has completed allergen awareness video training by one of the three Massachusetts Department of Public Health approved vendors and received a training certificate.

Additional Information

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Allergen Awareness (PDF)
• To view the Food Allergen Awareness Training video for free (without a receiving a certificate)
• State Sanitary Code for food establishments (PDF)
• Allergy awareness poster - English (PDF) - Spanish (PDF)
• Approved vendors by the MDPH to provide allergen awareness training (PDF)

For more information please contact Daniel Wasiuk, Inspector of the Northampton Health Department, at 413-587-1214.