Philadelphia Allergen Labeling Requirements for Restaurants

Federal FDA Allergen Labeling Standards

The FDA's Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004 requires that packaged foods clearly disclose the nine major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (added as of 2023). For restaurant food service, the FDA Food Code requires that menus or written materials clearly identify allergens present in menu items or offer allergen information upon request. Philadelphia restaurants must ensure staff can accurately communicate allergen content, whether through trained personnel or accessible written documentation. The FDA enforces these standards through inspection and violation citations.

Pennsylvania State Allergen Disclosure Requirements

Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Health Department adopt the FDA Food Code as the baseline for restaurant allergen disclosure. PA regulations require that restaurants maintain allergen information for all menu items and disclose this information to customers before service. Establishments must train food service staff on allergen identification and cross-contamination prevention. Pennsylvania does not impose additional major allergens beyond the FDA's nine, but enforcement is rigorous during routine health inspections. Violations are documented and tracked by the state's health department, with corrective action orders issued for non-compliance.

Philadelphia Department of Health Local Rules & Enforcement

The Philadelphia Department of Health enforces both federal and state allergen standards through its Food Safety Program, with inspectors conducting routine and complaint-based inspections. Philadelphia restaurants must have accessible allergen information available to customers—either on printed menus, table tents, or through staff knowledge—and staff must be trained to communicate accurately about allergen risks. The city tracks allergen-related complaints and violations as part of its inspection scoring system; repeated violations can result in point deductions that affect overall establishment ratings. Philadelphia does not create additional allergen categories beyond federal standards but enforces cross-contamination prevention as part of general food safety protocols.

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