How to Comply &
Set Your Business Up for Success
Managing allergens is critical for building trust, protecting your customers, and safeguarding your brand.
Follow the steps on this page to ensure your business delivers accurate and fully compliant allergen disclosures under the ADDE Act.
Compliance Roadmap
Steps for food operators to comply with the ADDE Act
- 01. Understand How the Law Applies
- 02. Map Ingredients to Allergens
- 03. Keep Supplier Info Up-to-Date
- 04. Train Your Staff
- 05. Add Allergens to Menus
- 06. Check and Update Regularly
- 07. Stay Ahead of Regulations
- 08. Keep Improving
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01
Understand How the Law Applies
Know how the ADDE Act affects your restaurant or food business.
- Which allergens must be disclosed on your menu?
- Who is responsible for checking allergens?
- Do you need digital menus, printed menus, or both?
Tip: Make allergen tracking part of daily operations.
02
Map Ingredients to Allergens
- Go through recipes and ingredients to identify allergens.
- Keep clear notes for each dish and ingredient.
- Include options or substitutions where needed.
Tip: Make mapping simple and easy to follow for staff.
03
Keep Supplier Info Up-to-Date
- Ask suppliers for allergen info on every ingredient.
- Update your records whenever ingredients change.
- Make sure staff know about changes quickly.
Tip: Consider a simple digital system to track allergen info automatically.
04
Train Your Staff
- Show kitchen staff how to handle allergens safely.
- Train front-of-house staff to answer customer questions.
- Keep training up to date with any changes.
Tip: Everyone should know their role in allergen safety.
05
Add Allergens to Menus
- Display allergen info on printed and digital menus.
- Keep clear notes for alternatives or substitutions.
- Check all customer-facing systems match your records.
Tip: Customers should see accurate info quickly.
06
Check and Update Regularly
- Review menu and ingredient info often.
- Update menus and records when recipes or suppliers change.
- Keep simple logs for reference.
Tip: Regular checks prevent mistakes and complaints.
07
Stay Ahead of Regulations
- Follow updates from regulators like FDA or state authorities.
- Check if your menus or processes need adjustment.
Tip: Staying aware avoids surprises and fines.
08
Keep Improving
- Ask staff and customers for feedback.
- Look for ways to make allergen info easier to use.
- Update menus, training, and tracking systems regularly.
Tip: Small, ongoing improvements keep everyone safe.
We can support you wherever you are
From getting started to refining your processes, our guides and checklists help food operators manage allergens and stay compliant at every stage.