When should food managers educate their staff about allergens?

Educating staff about allergens regularly as part of ongoing training is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of food safety practices. Allergens can pose serious health risks, including severe allergic reactions, and staff members must be well-informed about the various allergens that may be present in the food they handle. Continuous education helps reinforce knowledge, updates staff on any new allergen information or regulations, and cultivates a culture of food safety within the workplace.

By incorporating allergen education into regular training sessions, food managers can ensure that employees remain vigilant and proactive in their handling of food. It emphasizes the importance of communication regarding allergens, appropriate food labeling, and the need to accommodate customers with allergies. This approach not only enhances food safety but also builds customer trust and satisfaction.

In contrast, training only during onboarding or before handling food may not provide staff with sufficient ongoing knowledge to keep up with changing food safety practices or new allergen information. Moreover, educating staff only when there's a complaint does not foster a preventative attitude towards food safety, which is crucial for avoiding incidents before they occur.