When should food employees receive training regarding allergens?

Food employees should receive training regarding allergens continuously throughout their employment to ensure they are always equipped with the most current knowledge and practices related to allergen management. Allergen awareness is crucial in the food industry, as it can directly impact customer safety and health. Continuous training helps reinforce critical information, updates employees on new research, policies, or best practices, and ensures that ongoing changes to menu items or ingredients are communicated effectively.

While initial onboarding is important for establishing a foundational understanding, this may not be sufficient as the knowledge and regulations regarding allergens can evolve. Relying solely on training during onboarding or when issues arise could lead to gaps in awareness and compliance, potentially putting customers with allergies at risk. Ongoing training ensures that employees remain vigilant and knowledgeable about allergen risks, prevention strategies, and proper communication with customers, ultimately fostering a safer dining experience.