Sesame Added as the Ninth Major Allergen

  • Sesame was added as the ninth major allergen to the 2022 FDA Code. This is effective as of 1-1-23.
  • Sesame must be listed on all labels of packaged foods in the United States.
  • The major food allergens now include milk, egg, fish (such as bass, flounder, and cod), crustacean shellfish (such as crab, lobster, and shrimp), tree nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts), wheat, peanuts, soybeans, and sesame.
  • These nine major allergens account for 90% of all food allergy reactions.

Chicago Department of Public Health – New Regulations 9/28/22

The City of Chicago Department of Public Health would like to inform all Chicago food establishments about food safety and other requirements unique to the City of Chicago. All establishments in Chicago will be required to comply with the new requirements. If the food establishment is not in compliance, the food establishment may receive citations during the inspection. These requirements are effective as of September 28, 2022.

Please review the list of requirements for the City of Chicago.

Coronavirus Resources

Employee Health Policy

According to the 2017 Food Code, all food service establishments must:

  • Develop a written health policy
  • Train employees on the health policy
  • Keep a record that the employees have been trained on the health policy.

This is a sample of an Employee Health Policy.

Vomit and Diarrhea Cleaning Procedure

All food service establishments must develop a written procedure for cleaning after a patron or employee experiences vomiting and/or diarrhea.

These procedures for cleanup of vomiting and diarrhea in a food establishment are necessary to control the spread of norovirus. People with norovirus are extremely contagious. So, if someone is sick enough to vomit or has diarrhea in an establishment it is imperative that it is cleaned quickly and correctly.

This is a sample of a Vomit and Diarrhea Cleaning Procedure

Chicago Food Code Major Changes

This is a list of the food code changes that are effective as of 7/1/18:

Chicago Food Code Major Changes

Allergen Awareness Training

A Plus Food Training L.L.C. is now offering Allergen Awareness training. This training course provides information about the importance of allergen awareness. Students will learn about the safety measures for preparing food and serving customers with food allergies. Students will also learn about the following topics:

  • major allergens
  • allergic reactions
  • communicating with guests
  • preventing cross-contact
  • proper cleaning methods
  • communicating with guests
  • proper food preparation
  • food labels

This course is offered in three format:

  • Instructor led course
  • Online course
  • Live webinar

New IL Requirements – Allergen Training

There are new requirements for certified Food Managers working in restaurants in Illinois. These requirements are effective starting January 1, 2018.  All certified Food Managers must complete an additional allergen training program.  The Allergen Certificate must be kept at the establishment and be available to the health inspector upon request.

 

New IL Requirements – State License

Effective January 1, 2018, the Illinois Department of Public Health will not be issuing a state manager certificate/license. Therefore, managers will no longer need to submit the $35 state fee for the state certificate. As a result, the ANSI/CFP manager certification (i.e. ServSafe Manager Certificate) will be proof that state requirements have been met.