Turn Data Accuracy into Daily Allergen Safety
While accurate allergen data is the foundation of compliance under California’s Allergen Disclosure for Dining Experiences (ADDE) Act (SB-68), the human factor determines whether customers stay safe. Staff training and written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) turn data accuracy into daily practice. Every team member—from chefs to servers—must know how to prevent cross-contact, verify allergen information, and answer guest questions confidently.
Role-specific SOPs and responsibilities
Allergen control training should reflect the different responsibilities of front-of-house (FOH), back-of-house (BOH), and management teams.
- Front-of-House: Train staff to handle allergen inquiries, locate and read allergen charts, and escalate uncertain cases to a manager or allergen lead. Encourage open communication with guests.
- Back-of-House: Emphasize recipe adherence and defined cross-contact controls: use separate utensils, equipment, and storage; clean surfaces thoroughly; and maintain clear labeling.
- Managers & Allergen Leads: Verify that allergen disclosures in menus and systems match supplier data and that staff training records are complete.
Digital tools that support compliance
Digital systems simplify allergen control by linking training, recipes, and supplier data. Automation can eliminate gaps between policy and practice:
- Training records and reminders: Log completed modules, send retraining alerts, and generate reports for inspections.
- Recipe access control: Limit edit permissions to trained users to prevent accidental allergen changes.
- Real-time allergen reference: Ensure staff always access the most current data via tablets or POS systems.
Audit-ready documentation and testing
Inspectors under SB-68 will look for active—not theoretical—procedures. Maintain the following documentation in your training binder or digital compliance platform:
- Training records: Track completion dates and signatures. Retrain annually or after menu, supplier, or staffing changes.
- Mock audits: Conduct internal checks to ensure staff can locate allergen data and explain cross-contact prevention steps.
- Customer query log: Record all allergen inquiries and actions taken to show proactive risk management.
Essential allergen training framework
The table below summarizes key training topics and their expected frequency for maintaining ADDE Act compliance.
| Training Topic | When to Deliver | Frequency | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding the 9 Major Allergens | Onboarding for all new hires. | Annual review or after menu updates. | Ensures staff recognize allergens in ingredients and dishes. |
| Cross-Contact Prevention | Initial hands-on training during induction. | Quarterly refreshers or after incidents. | Reduces the most common source of allergen exposure. |
| Customer Communication Protocol | Role-playing during onboarding and service drills. | Quarterly refreshers. | Improves guest trust and consistency in responses. |
| Recipe & Menu Verification | When new recipes or suppliers are introduced. | Ongoing as updates occur. | Maintains data alignment between menus and supplier records. |
| Incident Reporting & Escalation | During induction and management training. | Annually or post-incident. | Shows accountability and due diligence to inspectors. |
| Digital System Usage | For staff using digital allergen or recipe systems. | After major software or process updates. | Ensures every user can access the verified allergen source. |
Build stronger allergen control through training
Access expert guides and resources to centralize SOPs, automate training reminders, and maintain consistent allergen communication across teams.
Talk to an expert Explore ADDE resources Read the legislationContext: The ADDE Act (SB-68) requires restaurant chains with 20 or more U.S. locations to maintain accurate allergen disclosures and training records by July 1, 2026. Consistent staff education is a core compliance requirement under the California Health and Safety Code.