Managing Food Allergens and Preventing Cross-Contact Flashcards

Which of the following is NOT one of the Big 9 food allergens recognized by the FDA?

Answer: Corn

Corn is not currently classified as one of the FDA's Big 9 major food allergens.

What distinguishes a food allergy from food intolerance?

Answer: Food allergy involves an immune response; intolerance is a digestive reaction

A food allergy triggers an immune response that can be life-threatening, while intolerance typically causes digestive discomfort.

What is the recommended way to handle a customer's allergen request when a manager is unavailable?

Answer: Tell the customer you cannot accommodate the request without manager approval and follow your establishment's allergen protocol

Following the establishment's allergen protocol protects the guest and ensures consistent, accountable handling of allergen requests.

Tree nuts include which of the following?

Answer: Almonds, walnuts, and pecans

Tree nuts are nuts that grow on trees, including almonds, walnuts, and pecans, but not peanuts (which are legumes).

A customer asks if a dish contains eggs. The ingredient list includes 'albumin.' What should staff know?

Answer: Albumin is a protein derived from eggs and is a hidden egg allergen source

Albumin is egg white protein and is a recognized hidden source of egg allergen that staff must be able to identify.

How should an allergen-free meal be transported from the kitchen to the table?

Answer: Covered and delivered separately to avoid contact with other dishes

Keeping allergen-free meals covered and separated during transport prevents airborne or surface cross-contact.

What action should a food handler take if they are uncertain whether a menu item contains a specific allergen?

Answer: Inform the guest they are unsure and check with the chef or manager before serving

Staff must verify allergen information with a knowledgeable source rather than guessing, to protect the guest's safety.