Allergen Labeling Compliance Checklist for San Antonio Food Service

FDA Allergen Labeling Requirements & San Antonio Compliance

The FDA Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires clear labeling of nine major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. In San Antonio, the Metropolitan Health District enforces FALCPA as part of state food code adoption. All packaged foods must list allergens in plain language on labels; advisory warnings ("may contain," "processed in a facility") are optional but must be truthful. Inspectors verify that ingredient lists clearly identify allergens without abbreviations and that suppliers provide allergen declarations. Keep documentation of all ingredient statements and supplier allergen certifications available during inspections.

San Antonio Menu Disclosure & Ingredient Management Violations

The Texas Food Rules (§275.1 et seq.) and San Antonio health code require food service establishments to disclose known allergens upon customer request. Common violations include missing ingredient lists for house-made items, failing to provide allergen information at point-of-sale, and staff unable to answer allergen questions. Inspectors look for written procedures for allergen handling, clean ingredient worksheets, and staff training logs. Cross-contamination risks—such as using the same cutting board for allergen-containing and allergen-free foods without proper cleaning—are documented as violations. Maintain a detailed ingredient binder or digital system listing all menu items and their allergens, updated whenever recipes change or suppliers switch.

Staff Training, Documentation & Inspection Red Flags

San Antonio health inspections include staff interviews on allergen awareness and proper handling procedures. The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District expects at least one employee per shift to understand allergen risks and answer customer questions. Missing training records, outdated allergen certifications, and staff unable to identify major allergens are common violations. Keep signed attendance logs for allergen training, written policies for preventing cross-contact, and documentation of any allergen-related incidents or customer notifications. Inspectors may request proof that staff have completed allergen training within the past 12 months; failure to provide this documentation typically results in a violation notice requiring corrective action within a specified timeframe.

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