The Big 9

The Big 9 Food Allergens: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Customers Safe

Did you know that 6 to 8 percent of children and 3 percent of adults in the U.S. are affected by food allergies? That's no small number! In fact, food allergies cause nearly 200,000 emergency room visits every year, and a huge part of that is due to the "Big 9" allergens. Whether you're a server, cook, or manager, knowing these allergens inside and out is vital for keeping your customers safe—and your restaurant in the clear!

But wait, did you know there used to be only The Big 8 allergens? That’s right! For years, there were eight main allergens on the radar. But in 2023, sesame was added to the list, turning the "Big 8" into the "Big 9." Why? Because sesame allergies are on the rise, and we need to be prepared. So, now we’ve got to keep track of 9 pesky allergens instead of 8. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

The Big 9: Meet the Most Common Food Allergens in the U.S.

Here’s the breakdown of the Big 9 food allergens causing all the stir:

• Milk: Cow's milk is a big one, especially for kids. It’s in everything from cheese to chocolate—so be careful!
• Eggs: While it’s mostly an issue for children, eggs are still a common allergen. They’re hidden in tons of foods, so be vigilant!
• Fish: Cod, flounder, and bass might seem harmless, but they’re known to trigger severe allergic reactions. Fish is one of the harder allergens to avoid.
• Shellfish: Crustaceans like shrimp, lobster, and crab are sneaky offenders. They’re delicious but dangerous for allergy sufferers.
• Tree Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and others—these tree nuts can pack a punch for those allergic to them. Keep an eye on the nuts!
• Peanuts: Often confused with tree nuts, peanuts are a major culprit in allergic reactions, especially for kids.
• Wheat: Wheat is a sneaky allergen that hides in everything from bread to pizza crust. Make sure you know how to spot it!
• Soybeans: Soy is found in tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, and so much more. It's one of the most common allergens in Asian-inspired cuisine.
• Sesame: Sesame was officially added to the list in 2023, making it the newest member of the Big 9! This small seed is used in many foods, especially baked goods, and it’s quickly becoming a common allergen.

How To Manage Food Allergies in Your Kitchen

If you work in food service, understanding allergens isn’t just important—it’s crucial! Here’s how to handle food allergies like a pro:

1. Read Labels Like a Detective!

Make sure to check the labels on all packaged food. The label will often say, “Contains…,” followed by any allergens in the product. Don’t skip this step! When in doubt, ask your supplier or the manufacturer about allergens.

2. Get Your Team Trained on Allergen Safety

Every member of your food service team should know the Big 9 allergens and how to handle them. Whether it’s the server who takes the order or the cook preparing the food, training is key. The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to prevent cross-contamination—and your team should know exactly how to do that.

3. Find Safe Substitutes

For many allergens, there are safe and delicious substitutes! For example, use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk. Gluten-free flours can replace wheat in most recipes, and if you're dealing with peanut allergies, swap peanuts for tree nuts (or vice versa if your customer has a peanut allergy). Get creative and find alternatives to keep everyone safe and satisfied!

4. Prevent Cross-Contact

Cross-contact happens when an allergen from one food gets onto another, potentially causing a reaction. You can prevent this by:

• Using separate cutting boards, utensils, and pans for allergen-free foods.
• Washing hands thoroughly between food prep tasks.
• Educating staff on the importance of keeping allergens away from other foods.

The Impact of Undeclared Allergens

Undeclared allergens are a major concern. Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 46% of all food recalls were caused by undeclared allergens. A food recall can cost a company millions of dollars, but even worse, it could lead to serious health risks for allergic consumers. That’s why proper allergen identification and labeling are so important.

The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates that all food manufacturers must clearly list major allergens on food packaging. This law helps consumers make informed decisions about the foods they buy, especially when they're dealing with allergies.

How the FDA Is Taking Action

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) gives the FDA more power to prevent foodborne illnesses, including those related to allergens. FSMA requires food manufacturers to establish procedures for managing allergens, including:

• Documenting allergen controls to ensure proper food handling and reduce cross-contamination.
• Ensuring proper sanitization to avoid allergen contamination.
• Establishing a recall plan in case an allergen makes its way into an unexpected product.

The FDA’s proactive approach ensures that food safety is always at the forefront of food production. And for businesses, following these guidelines is key to avoiding fines, recalls, and, most importantly, protecting customers.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Always check for allergen labeling on food products.

Train your staff on the importance of allergen awareness and how to manage food allergens safely.

Test your food for allergens to ensure the ingredients you’re using don’t contain hidden allergens.

By staying on top of allergen safety and following food safety guidelines, you’re helping keep your customers safe and your restaurant compliant. So let’s keep the Big 9 at the top of our minds and make sure everyone is eating safely!

Final Thoughts: The Big 9 Is No Joke!

Food allergies are no laughing matter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun while learning about them! Now that you know the Big 9 allergens and how to handle them, it’s time to make sure your restaurant is ready to serve safe food. Whether you’re a chef, server, or manager, the more you know, the safer your customers will be.

So, get your allergen awareness on point and make sure your kitchen stays allergen-free. After all, a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping people safe—and that’s a big deal!

Stay allergen-aware, and let’s keep those reactions at bay! 🌟