Food Allergen Awareness Flashcards
7 cards from real Food Safety practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Food Allergen Awareness flashcards as text
A food establishment that serves customers with known allergies should maintain an allergen matrix, which is best described as:
Answer: A chart showing which allergens are present in each menu item
An allergen matrix is an internal reference tool that cross-references menu items with the allergens each contains, helping staff quickly identify safe options for allergic guests.
Which cooking method does NOT eliminate the allergenicity of a food allergen?
Answer: All of the above — heat does not eliminate allergens
Allergen proteins are generally heat-stable and are not destroyed by cooking; a food that contains an allergen remains allergenic regardless of the cooking method used.
The FDA requires that when a tree nut is listed as an allergen, the specific type of tree nut must be named. Why is this important?
Answer: A person may be allergic to one tree nut but not others
Tree nut allergies are not always cross-reactive, meaning a person allergic to cashews may safely eat almonds, so specifying the exact nut allows allergic individuals to make informed choices.
A restaurant promotes a dish as 'gluten-free.' Under FDA rules, what does this claim require?
Answer: The food must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten
The FDA defines 'gluten-free' as containing less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is the threshold considered safe for most individuals with celiac disease.
When handwashing after handling a known allergen such as shellfish, which statement is TRUE?
Answer: Soap and water is necessary because hand sanitizers do not remove allergens
Hand sanitizers are effective against pathogens but do not remove allergen proteins; soap and water is required to physically wash allergen residues off hands.
Which of the following items most commonly contains hidden milk allergens and requires careful label scrutiny?
Answer: Non-dairy creamer
Many non-dairy creamers contain casein, a milk protein, making them a hidden source of milk allergen despite the 'non-dairy' label.
What is the FIRST action an employee should take if a customer reports a suspected allergic reaction while still in the establishment?
Answer: Call emergency services (911) and notify the manager immediately
Anaphylaxis can progress rapidly and become life-threatening within minutes; calling 911 and alerting the manager immediately is the correct emergency response.