What is Food Allergy Awareness Month?
Food Allergy Awareness Month is an annual campaign observed each May to educate the public about food allergies, which affect approximately 2% of adults and 4–8% of children in the US. The month-long campaign includes various efforts to raise awareness on food allergies across different audiences and aspects of society. In Canada, Food Allergy Awareness Month features initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and education about food allergies nationwide.
History
Food Allergy Awareness Month began in the US to improve understanding of food allergies and their impact on public health and food safety. Launched in 1998 as Food Allergy Awareness Week by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (now FARE), the campaign has since expanded into a month-long effort recognized in both the US and Canada. It continues to raise awareness, encourage safe food practices, and support those managing life-threatening allergies.
This 2025, a central theme to Food Allergy Awareness Month is raising awareness on common food allergy myths and facts. With 1 in 10 adults in the US having a food allergy, it has become increasingly important for organizations to properly label their food products and for organizations and establishments to give the necessary precautions and support for affected individuals. This is echoed by the other campaigns held during the month, such as Food Allergy Awareness Week, which is scheduled for May 11–17, 2025.
Importance
Food Allergy Awareness Month is crucial for promoting food safety and public health, as approximately 33 million Americans live with at least one food allergy. This includes nearly 8% of children—about 5.6 million—or roughly two students in every classroom, highlighting the importance of widespread education and preparedness. Raising awareness helps prevent life-threatening reactions and fosters safer school, restaurant, and home environments.
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How Businesses Observe Food Allergy Awareness Month
Any organization that manufacturers, handles, or distributes food products can participate in food allergy awareness month. The observance is relevant for any company, whether they serve food items or not, as their employees are also their responsibility. That said, observing the event can look different for each organization. Here are a few ways companies can observe Food Allergy Awareness Month and help create a safer environment, as per FARE:
Customer and Employee Education
Companies can use social media, signage, and websites to educate consumers and employees about food allergies, including how to avoid cross-contact and recognize allergens. Restaurants can train servers to communicate allergen info clearly, while manufacturers and distributors can provide educational materials to retailers and clients. From within the organization, employees should be given the necessary training on how to handle food allergies. These efforts help build trust and empower consumers to make safe choices.
Review Products
Food manufacturers can reassess their ingredient lists and supplier quality practices to ensure allergen control throughout the production process. Restaurants can review recipes and preparation methods to identify potential allergy risks. Distributors can work with suppliers to verify that products are accurately represented and meet food allergen safety standards.
Auditing Labels
Ensuring safe handling of food allergens starts with suppliers. Manufacturers should audit food labels to confirm that all major allergens are clearly listed, in compliance with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulations. Similarly, food establishments can update menus with allergen icons or detailed notes to help patrons make informed decisions. Distributors can require transparent labeling from suppliers to reduce the risk of miscommunication downstream.
Implement Visible Allergy Systems
Food establishments can use color-coded tools or dedicated prep areas to prevent cross-contact, signaling to both staff and customers that allergies are taken seriously. Manufacturers may adopt allergen management systems with clear protocols and signage in their facilities. Distributors can label packaging clearly and train staff to handle allergen-sensitive products separately.
For workplaces, it is the employer’s responsibility to implement allergy systems that will work for the organization. This can include using the right labels, as well as providing announcements about possible allergens in meals to be served.
Develop Allergy-Free Alternatives
Food manufacturers can create or expand lines of products free from the top allergens, like dairy, nuts, or gluten. Restaurants might introduce allergy-friendly menu options with clean prep protocols, offering more inclusive dining experiences. Distributors can help connect allergen-free brands with retailers and food service operations seeking safer options.
Improve Food Allergy Awareness and Safety with Modern Technology
Technology is playing a growing role in helping improve allergy safety. From digital tools to real-time tracking, modern solutions make it easier to manage allergens, train staff, and communicate clearly across the supply chain. Here are some examples of modern technology improving food allergy safety:
- Checklists – Digital checklists help standardize cleaning protocols, allergen labeling, and ingredient handling processes. These lists reduce human error and ensure compliance with allergy management practices in real-time, serving as a base for other safety efforts.
- Reports – Automated reporting systems can track allergen incidents, food prep compliance, and training completion. These also often come with a built-in analytics tool, which helps quality assurance teams identify patterns and take corrective actions to prevent future risks.
- Asset Management – QR code systems, GPS tracking systems, and other asset tagging technology allow companies to tag food ingredients, kitchen tools, utensils, and machinery, ensuring allergen-specific equipment is used only where appropriate. This is especially helpful in preventing cross-contact during food preparation or packaging.
- Digital Training – Online training platforms enable employees to learn food allergy protocols through videos, quizzes, and interactive modules. These programs can be updated regularly and tracked to confirm staff certification and comprehension.
- Communication Tools – Tech-based platforms with internal messaging capabilities, smart ordering systems, and panic alert systems help staff stay informed and communicate allergy concerns quickly and accurately. This is critical for fast, clear communication, which is essential in preventing a serious allergic reaction from happening, or progressing.
Leon Altomonte
