Foodservice Allergen Statement Verification

Inspection template for verifying menu allergen statements, top 9 allergen disclosures, recipe accuracy, and required posted notices.

Inspection Scope and Menu Set

• Inspection date and service period documented
  Record the date/time of inspection and the meal period or menu cycle being reviewed.
• Menu version or revision identifier matches current service menu
  Capture the menu version, print date, digital revision, or cycle identifier used for this review.
• All menu items included in scope
  Verify the inspection scope includes all items offered to guests, including specials, limited-time offers, catering items, and grab-and-go items if applicable.
• Recipe set or ingredient binder available for review
  Confirm current recipes, ingredient specifications, or allergen matrices are available at the point of review.
• Recent menu or recipe changes identified
  Select any changes that occurred since the last verification.

Menu Allergen Statement Accuracy

• Allergen statement is posted or displayed where guests can easily see it
  Check menu boards, printed menus, digital menus, kiosks, online ordering pages, and catering sheets as applicable.
• Allergen statement language is clear and not misleading
  Verify the statement does not overstate, understate, or ambiguously describe allergen presence or absence.
• Menu allergen statements match current recipe and ingredient records
  Compare the guest-facing statement against current recipes, sub-recipes, and ingredient specifications for accuracy.
• Cross-contact or shared-equipment advisory included where applicable
  Verify any advisory language used is consistent with the operation's allergen control practices and does not replace ingredient verification.
• Unverified or outdated allergen claims removed from guest-facing materials
  Confirm there are no obsolete allergen statements, outdated icons, or stale ingredient claims on menus or signage.

Top 9 Major Allergen Disclosure Review

• Milk disclosed accurately where present
  Verify milk is identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Egg disclosed accurately where present
  Verify egg is identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Fish disclosed accurately where present
  Verify fish is identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Crustacean shellfish disclosed accurately where present
  Verify crustacean shellfish is identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Tree nuts disclosed accurately where present
  Verify tree nuts are identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Peanuts disclosed accurately where present
  Verify peanuts are identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Wheat disclosed accurately where present
  Verify wheat is identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Soy disclosed accurately where present
  Verify soy is identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.
• Sesame disclosed accurately where present
  Verify sesame is identified in menu or recipe allergen information when present in ingredients or sub-recipes.

Recipe and Ingredient Verification

• Current recipe cards or standardized recipes match production practice
  Verify the documented recipe reflects the ingredients and preparation method actually used in production.
• Ingredient labels or spec sheets reviewed for allergen declarations
  Confirm ingredient labels, supplier specs, or product sheets were checked for allergen content and may contain statements.
• Sub-recipes and garnishes included in allergen review
  Verify sauces, dressings, marinades, toppings, fillings, and garnishes are included in the allergen analysis.
• Ingredient substitutions documented and approved
  Confirm any substitutions, brand swaps, or temporary product changes were documented and reviewed for allergen impact.
• Recipe allergen matrix updated after changes
  Verify the allergen matrix or master ingredient list was updated to reflect current formulations.

Required Notices, Staff Guidance, and Escalation

• Required allergen notice posted for guests
  Confirm any required guest notice directing customers to ask about allergens or ingredient verification is posted and legible.
• Staff know the escalation process for allergen questions
  Verify staff can direct allergen questions to a manager, chef, or designated competent person for confirmation.
• Allergen communication tools are current and accessible
  Check allergen charts, matrix binders, digital systems, and guest scripts are current and accessible at point of service.
• Corrective action assigned for any discrepancy
  Document whether a corrective action owner and due date were assigned for any non-conformance found during the inspection.