Cruise Ship Food Allergen Statement Verification

Inspection template for verifying that cruise ship galley allergen statements are current, cross-contact prevention controls are in place, and food preparation staff allergen training documentation is complete.

Audit Scope and Current Documentation

• Current menu or service line allergen statement is available for review
  Verify the active menu, buffet card set, or service-line allergen statement is present and identifiable for the current voyage or service period.
• Allergen statement version matches the current menu or recipe set
  Confirm the allergen statement reflects the current menu, recipe, or ingredient list in use and has not expired or been superseded.
• Date of last allergen statement review
  Record the most recent date the allergen statement was reviewed or updated.
• Source documents used to verify allergen information
  Identify the source documents used during verification, such as supplier specifications, recipe cards, ingredient labels, or approved menu records.
• Any discrepancies identified between statement and source documents
  Document any mismatch between the posted allergen statement and the verified source documents.

Allergen Statement Accuracy

• Declared major allergens are complete for listed menu items
  Verify the statement identifies all major allergens present in each applicable dish or service item based on the current ingredient list.
• Allergen statement is legible and posted where guests can reasonably see it
  Confirm the statement is readable, not obscured, and placed at the point of guest decision-making such as menu boards, buffet cards, or service counters.
• Cross-references to allergen-free or modified dishes are accurate
  Check that any allergen-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, or modified dish claims are supported by the current recipe and preparation method.
• Unverified or outdated allergen claims are removed from service
  Confirm any outdated, unverified, or superseded allergen statements have been removed from guest-facing materials.
• Inspector notes on allergen statement accuracy
  Capture any observations, exceptions, or required follow-up actions related to allergen statement accuracy.

Cross-Contact Prevention Controls

• Dedicated utensils, pans, or prep tools are available for allergen-sensitive orders
  Confirm dedicated or effectively segregated tools are available and identifiable for allergen-sensitive food preparation.
• Allergen-sensitive items are stored to prevent cross-contact
  Verify allergen-containing ingredients are segregated or protected from contact with allergen-sensitive ingredients in dry storage, refrigeration, and service areas.
• Handwashing and glove-change practices are followed before allergen-sensitive preparation
  Observe whether staff wash hands and change gloves or utensils before handling allergen-sensitive orders or ingredients.
• Separate preparation area or cleaning step is used when required
  Confirm a separate prep area, cleaned work surface, or controlled sequence is used when preparing allergen-sensitive items to reduce cross-contact risk.
• Observed cross-contact hazards
  Record any observed cross-contact hazards such as shared utensils, unclean surfaces, uncovered ingredients, or mislabeled containers.

Staff Training and Competency Records

• All food preparation staff have documented allergen training on file
  Verify training records are available for all applicable galley and service staff involved in food preparation or allergen handling.
• Training records are current within the required refresher interval
  Confirm allergen training has been completed within the required onboarding or refresher interval established by company policy.
• Staff can explain the escalation process for allergen requests
  Assess whether staff know how to escalate guest allergen requests to the person in charge, chef, or designated competent person.
• Training gaps or missing records
  Document any missing, expired, or incomplete allergen training records and identify affected roles.

Corrective Actions and Verification Outcome

• Corrective actions documented for all deficiencies
  Confirm each deficiency or non-conformance has a documented corrective action, owner, and target completion date.
• Inspection outcome
  Select the final outcome of the verification audit.
• Inspector signature
  Signature of the inspector completing the verification audit.