HB2510 requires training to limit preventable life threatening food allergy encounters while dining out

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce the number of preventable fatal food allergy reactions in Illinois, legislation that will require accredited food allergen training in Illinois restaurants and food service establishments became law on Friday.

The new law, sponsored by state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D- Chicago and backed by the Illinois Restaurant Association, amends the Food Handling Act to require food service establishments have at least one certified food service sanitation manager on hand during operating hours who has undergone training that follows nationally recognized industry standards for allergen safety and allergen awareness.

Statistics show the majority of fatal food allergic reactions occur outside the home and affect one in 13 children in the United States.

“Ensuring that customers are properly informed of ingredients before they order, and helping restaurants avoid cross contamination before food leaves the kitchen by implementing training, will increase safety for everyone,” said Feigenholtz, who worked with the Illinois Restaurant Association and other groups to craft the bill.

“Customer safety should always be the top priority of restaurants. It is our goal to increase confidence of the many families who suffer from food allergies and avoid dining out to avoid risk,” said Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia.

The National Restaurant Association estimates revenue loss from food allergy families who don’t dine out at $45 million per week across the U.S.

Currently Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, Virginia and Maryland have also enacted laws to improve food allergy safety and awareness by requiring training for restaurants.