According to Nation’s Restaurant News, “Beginning this summer, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will require restaurants in the state to be more proactive in addressing potential reactions to food allergens.”

“Officials from the state health department unveiled new requirements Wednesday that call for restaurant employees to undergo training and education on preventing foods from becoming contaminated by allergy-inducing items. Restaurants also will be required to post allergy alert stickers on all menus that would remind guests to inform wait staff about any food allergies before orders are placed. Restaurant industry members said they support the measure because it would help ensure a safe dining experience for consumers. ‘This law isn’t perfect, but it’s a meaningful first step towards raising awareness,’ said Janine Harrod, director of government affairs for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. “’t emphasizes the responsibility of the food-allergic customer to remain vigilant about everything they put into their bodies.’ Harrod added that the law has been in the works for several years and that the MRA chose to collaborate on the legislation rather than fight it. She said she believed that collaboration helped during negotiations and minimized potential hardships for restaurateurs.”

Read more: http://www.nrn.com/breakingNews.aspx?id=379466&menu_id=1368#ixzz0fiEXh97l