The National Restaurant Association (NRA) announced the launch of ServSafe Allergens Online Course, a new online training course from the creators of the highly regarded ServSafe food safety program designed to help restaurants address food allergens. The education tool was developed in partnership with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the nation’s leading food allergy nonprofit organization.

"The National Restaurant Association has been working diligently over the years to responsibly address the issue of food safety in restaurants, including food allergens," says William Weichelt, director of ServSafe for the National Restaurant Association. "We are excited to partner with FARE on ServSafe Allergens to educate our restaurants and their employees, helping our members accommodate their guests' food allergies or other dietary requirements."

Weichelt added, "As always, we strongly encourage guests to talk to restaurant staff about their food allergies, and discuss concerns and alternatives to make their dining experience safe and enjoyable."

“Food allergies are a potentially life-threatening disease affecting up to 15 million Americans,” says John L. Lehr, CEO of FARE. “We are proud to partner with the National Restaurant Association to launch this critical training program that will help restaurant personnel better understand the needs and safety precautions required when serving guests with food allergies. Ultimately, this program will help ensure a safer, more enjoyable dining experience for individuals and families who are managing food allergies.”

The ServSafe Allergens course is designed to help both front-of-the-house staff and back-of-the-house operations better understand how to accommodate the growing number of guests with food allergies.

The course is part of the Association’s ServSafe Program of comprehensive education materials created to develop a strong, skilled industry workforce. Through the ServSafe Food Safety program, the National Restaurant Association is the leading source of food safety training and certification for restaurant and foodservice industry professionals for nearly 40 years. To date, more than 5 million ServSafe certifications have been issued.