CHICAGO, August 11, 2025 —Illinois has expanded its restaurant food-safety certification requirements to include training on accommodating and protecting customers with food allergies and sensitivities.
A bill signed into law this week by Gov. Jay Pritzker requires food handlers to undergo the instruction within 30 days of being hired and then refresh the training every three years. If being certified in food safety is a requirement of the employee’s position, the allergy instruction is also mandatory.
The instruction has to cover such fundamentals as how to accommodate customers with food allergies; how to clean food-contact areas to prevent cross-contamination; and what to do in case of an allergy-triggered emergency.
In addition, the law specifies that trainees be taught about gluten intolerance and celiac disease, the illness triggered by the nutrient.
The law specifies that the allergy sensitivity training provided by restaurant chains with units outside of Illinois is an acceptable way of meeting the state’s mandate.
Preventing allergic reactions is fast emerging as a new area of focus for food-safety regulators. Massachusetts and Rhode Island already have training mandates like Illinois’ new measure in effect.
As Managing Editor for IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, Romeo is responsible for generating the group's news and feature content. He brings more than 40 years of experience in covering restaurants to the position.
Cover image courtesy: Closed Loop Project