Allergen Regualtions

Allergen Training Overview (U.S.)

Allergen policies vary by state, county, city, jurisdiction, and district. This page summarizes where allergen training is required and what type of training typically satisfies the rule. For exact statutes and any local exceptions, use the Food Manager Map.

Terminology

• Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) – nationally recognized food manager certification.
• ANSI-approved Food Handler – accredited food-handler training/card.
• ANSI Allergen Awareness Program – standalone allergen course with ANSI/ANAB accreditation.
• Allergen Awareness Program – general (non-ANSI) allergen course for awareness/operations where allowed.

Jurisdictions with defined allergen training expectations

Tip: If a jurisdiction lists multiple options, any one of the listed options typically satisfies the requirement.

California
Required: CFPM (Managers). ANSI-approved Food Handler (Food Handlers).

Connecticut
Required: ANSI Allergen Awareness Program or CFPM.

District of Columbia
Required: PIC must ensure allergen awareness; satisfied via CFPM or Allergen Awareness Program (per agency practice).

Florida
Required: CFPM (Managers).

Illinois
Required: ANSI Allergen Awareness Program (full accredited course).

Massachusetts
Required: ANSI Allergen Awareness Program (full accredited course).

Michigan
Status: Recommended (no longer a mandate).

Montgomery County, Maryland
Required: ANSI Allergen Awareness Program (full accredited course).

Mississippi
Required: CFPM (Managers).

New Hampshire
Required: CFPM (Managers).

New Jersey
Required: Allergen Awareness Program for restaurant managers (state-approved), proof at inspection.

Nassau County, New York
Required: County custom Allergen course.

Suffolk County, New York
Required: Allergen Awareness Program or CFPM.

Westchester County, New York
Required: Allergen Awareness Program from county-designated providers.

Ohio
Required: ANSI Allergen Awareness Program or CFPM.

Pennsylvania
Required: Allergen Awareness Program or CFPM.

Rhode Island
Required: Allergen Awareness Program or CFPM.

Texas
Required: CFPM (Managers) and ANSI-approved Food Handler (Handlers). Effective Sept 1, 2024, allergen content is embedded in manager/handler certifications and an allergen poster is required.

Virginia
Required: CFPM (Managers).

West Virginia
Required: Allergen Awareness Program or CFPM.

Guidance-only jurisdictions

These follow Food Code allergen awareness (typically via PIC/CFPM) but don’t impose a standalone allergen certificate:
Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

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Best practice: use an Allergen Awareness Program (ANSI where specified by your health department).