Philadelphia Allergen Labeling Compliance Checklist for Food Service

FDA & Pennsylvania Allergen Labeling Requirements

The FDA's Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) identifies nine major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (added in 2023). Pennsylvania enforces these federal standards, and Philadelphia's Department of Public Health inspectors verify that all packaged and prepared foods clearly disclose these allergens on labels or menu boards. For prepared foods served to customers, you must provide allergen information upon request—either through written menus, ingredient lists, or staff who can confidently describe allergen content. Keep written records of all ingredient suppliers and product formulations; inspectors will ask to review these during compliance checks.

Philadelphia-Specific Inspection Checklist Items

During routine health inspections, Philadelphia inspectors specifically verify: (1) allergen menus or signage are posted and legible in customer areas; (2) staff can accurately answer allergen questions without guessing; (3) ingredient and supplier documentation is complete and on-site; (4) cross-contamination prevention procedures are documented (separate prep areas, utensils, cutting boards); (5) allergen-free claims are substantiated; and (6) written allergen training records exist for all food handling staff. Violations range from warnings to critical citations if allergen misrepresentation could cause harm. Keep your allergen documentation organized and accessible—inspectors may request it without notice.

Common Allergen Violations to Avoid

The most frequent violations in Philadelphia include: unmarked or unlabeled allergen-containing items, staff unable to identify allergens in popular menu items, missing supplier documentation for bulk ingredients, and inadequate cross-contamination controls (e.g., shared utensils for allergen and allergen-free prep). Failing to disclose sesame (a federal major allergen as of 2023) is a growing violation. Never rely on memory or verbal-only allergen communication—always provide written documentation. If a customer reports an allergic reaction linked to your facility, Philadelphia health inspectors and the FDA may conduct immediate investigations; liability exposure is significant. Establish a formal allergen management system, audit it quarterly, and train new hires within their first week.

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