Approved Restaurant Search

FOOD ALLERGY STANDARDS

The following minimum standards must be met by restaurants and establishments that have obtained and maintain the Food Allergy Friendly Certification. If you are a restaurant patron, look for the Food Allergy Friendly certification if you suffer from various food allergies. Establishments bearing this certification must meet the following requirements.

• Food allergy sufferers must be treated with respect and compassion at all times by hosts, servers, management and kitchen staff.
• Waiters and chefs should be knowledgeable about which foods on the menu contain common allergens
• Management and kitchen staff must be notified of any allergies by servers and hosts
• Chef or management must consult with patron face-to-face to clarify any allergy needs
• Kitchen staff should verify and clarify any ingredients in the patron’s chosen meal to ensure the allergens in question are not present.
• If a meal ordered by a patron with an allergy contains an allergen, the patron must be notified immediately by the chef or management and alternate dining options that meet their needs must be suggested.
• When preparing the food, chef must take the following precautions for the patron to prevent cross-contamination:
  • The following foods must be stored so that they make no contact with each other or any other foods: peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc.), fish, soy, shellfish (oysters, clams, muscles, crab, shrimp, lobster, etc.), eggs, milk, wheat (bread, pasta etc.).
  • Avoid using wood cutting boards. If wood cutting boards must be used, cover the board with wax paper or foil.
  • Use newly washed pots, pans, plates and utensils.
  • Do not fry any food in oil that has previously been used to fry food that contains the allergen in question.
  • Ensure that all common allergens are stored and cooked separately from all other foods.
  • If pre-prepped food was potentially in contact with the allergen in question, those pre-prepped foods must be cut, prepped or cooked fresh.
• The chef or management must personally deliver the specially prepared dish to the patron and verify their allergy needs
• Any allergen designated by a patron may not be placed anywhere on the patrons plate, whether it be part of an entree, side, or garnish.
• If a mistake is made with the order, the order must be remade.
• Protocol should be in place for when an allergic reaction occurs.

LATEX ALLERGY STANDARDS

The following minimum standards must be met by restaurants and establishments that have obtained and maintain the Latex Safe Certification. If you are suffer from latex allergies, look for the Latex Safe Certification when you go to restaurants, hotels, bars, nightclubs, airlines, cruises or purchase pre-manufactured food. Establishments bearing this certification must meet the following requirements.

• The following types of Latex gloves may not be used at any time:
  • Disposable
  • Non-Disposable
  • Powdered Food-Service
  • Non-Powdered Food Service
  • Surgical
  • Exam
  • Sterile
  • Non-Sterile
  • Any heat or cold gloves containing natural rubber latex
  • Any cutting glove containing natural rubber latex
  • Neoprene gloves containing latex
• The following glove types must be substituted to Latex gloves:
  • Poly
  • Vinyl
  • Synthetic
  • Nitrile
• Latex gloves may NOT be used at any time during food preparation, food handling, cooking, drink preparation and drink handling (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
• Latex gloves may NOT be used at any time during the cleaning or sterilization process of any part of the establishment.
  • In restaurants, this includes the following activities:
    1. Kitchen cleaning
    2. Bathroom cleaning
    3. Washing dishes
    4. Bussing Tables
    5. Cleaning bars
    6. General cleaning
    7. Any other cleaning activity
  • Additionally, in hotels, the following activities are also included:
    1. Housekeeping
    2. Indoor Gardening
    3. Outdoor Gardening
    4. Luggage Handling
    5. Room Service
• Latex gloves may not be kept or stored anywhere within an establishment. Only Latex Free gloves may be kept on premises.