Allergen Awareness- Protecting Your Customers

### **Allergen Awareness: Protecting Your Customers**

Allergen awareness is critical for food handlers to protect customers from potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Here’s a guide to help your establishment maintain safety and trust:

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### **1. Understand Common Food Allergens**
In Singapore, the most common allergens include:
- **Peanuts**
- **Tree Nuts** (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- **Milk**
- **Eggs**
- **Fish**
- **Shellfish** (e.g., prawns, crabs)
- **Soy**
- **Wheat**
- **Sesame**

### **2. Clearly Label Food Products**
- **Menu Transparency**: Clearly indicate allergenic ingredients in menu descriptions.
- **Allergen Symbols**: Use icons or symbols to denote common allergens for easy identification.
- **Prepackaged Foods**: Ensure all packaged foods have allergen warnings in accordance with Singapore’s food labeling regulations.

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### **3. Prevent Cross-Contamination**
- **Separate Preparation Areas**: Dedicate specific tools and spaces for allergen-free food preparation.
- **Clean Thoroughly**: Wash cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after use.
- **Store Separately**: Keep allergenic ingredients in sealed containers away from other foods.

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### **4. Communicate with Customers**
- **Ask About Allergies**: Train staff to ask customers if they have food allergies when taking orders.
- **Provide Detailed Information**: Offer ingredient lists or allergen charts upon request.
- **Handle Requests Carefully**: Ensure allergen-free meals are clearly identified and communicated to the kitchen team.

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### **5. Train Your Team**
- Conduct regular training on allergen awareness and safe food handling practices.
- Teach staff to recognize symptoms of allergic reactions, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Rashes or hives
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Educate employees on what to do in an emergency, including administering an epinephrine auto-injector if trained.

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### **6. Be Prepared for Emergencies**
- **Know Emergency Protocols**: Have a clear plan in place for managing allergic reactions, including contacting emergency services.
- **First Aid Supplies**: Keep a first-aid kit and ensure staff know its location.

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### **7. Stay Updated on Regulations**
- Follow guidelines from the **Singapore Food Agency (SFA)** on allergen management and labeling.
- Keep updated with global food safety standards to ensure compliance and best practices.

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### **8. Engage in Continuous Improvement**
- Regularly review recipes and suppliers for any changes in allergen content.
- Actively seek feedback from customers about their experiences with allergen safety in your establishment.

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By being proactive and diligent about allergen management, you can protect your customers and build trust in your brand. Would you like help developing an allergen checklist or staff training program?