New York City Restaurants Required to Display Food Allergy Education Poster
All New York City restaurants and food service establishments are now required by law to display an educational poster aimed at raising food allergy awareness among their employees. In addition to working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to develop the concept, FAI advocated for the passage of this vital legislation. The bill, Int. # 818A, sponsored by Council Member Jessica Lappin (5th District-Manhattan), was signed into law by Mayor Bloomberg on March 18, 2009, and the poster was distributed to restaurants and food service establishments in June of 2010. New York City restaurateurs who wish to order the poster or who need more information should call 311 and ask to be connected to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, then ask for the Literature Fulfillment Department.
A study conducted by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine demonstrated the need for the poster. After surveying 100 restaurant managers, chefs and servers, the researchers found that only 42 percent had received any food allergy training. "Many food service employees lack basic information that could literally mean the difference between life and death for someone with a food allergy," said Lappin. "This poster is a simple, cost-effective resource that will help servers and preparers detect hidden ingredients and prevent cross-contamination--the number one cause of food allergic-reactions in restaurants."
Restaurants will display the poster in a prominent location that is accessible to all employees that prepare or serve food. In keeping with city law, the poster will be available in Chinese, English, Korean, Russian, and Spanish.
"New York is the restaurant capital of the world, so it's fitting that the city should be a world leader in protecting the health of restaurant patrons," said Mary Jane Marchisotto, executive director, FAI. "The Food Allergy Initiative is deeply grateful to the Council for its support of this critical legislation. In particular, we want to thank Mayor Bloomberg, Council Speaker Quinn, Council Member Lappin, and Health Committee Chair Rivera for their commitment to the safety of food-allergic residents and visitors."