Get Certified – Allergen Management
Because one size does not fit all..........
It makes sense to have graded, certified venues because one size does not fit all, venues operate differently, with its own unique set of challenges, resources, and customer base. A graded system allows venues to demonstrate their strengths in allergen management, food safety, and inclusivity, while also clearly communicating what they can and cannot offer to food hypersensitive customers.
This approach not only empowers venues to build trust with their clientele through transparency but also encourages continuous improvement and accountability, rather than forcing every business into a rigid, one-size-fits-all model.
Bronze certification demonstrates that your business is fully compliant with allergen management requirements. Achieving this level is an accolade in itself and should not be overlooked in comparison to Silver and Gold. While the higher levels focus on enhancing menu availability and inclusivity, we recognise that not all venues are able to offer a fully inclusive menu due to the nature of their business, size, or facilities. Attaining Bronze and working towards the enhanced levels reflects a clear commitment to your Food Hypersensitive (FHS) customers and a willingness to continually improve. The purpose of the certification is not to strive only for Gold, but to acknowledge and celebrate each step of progress in creating safer, more inclusive dining experiences.
Food Allergy Aware is the only certification which offers this model – talk to us today see how we can help.
Why Our Certification Matters
Why Certified Allergen Management? As someone with food intolerances and over 13 years of experience in the food allergen arena, and 40 years hospitality and food safety sector, I know first-hand the importance of trust and consistency when it comes to eating out safely. That’s why our Food Allergy Aware certification is based on thorough, site-specific audits, not assumptions or blanket policies.
We firmly believe that each food venue must be assessed individually. A business is only as strong as its on-site team, and from both a professional and personal perspective, we’ve seen how much this can vary. Communication, education, and attitude all play a key role in delivering a safe and positive experience for food-hypersensitive customers.
Every venue we certify undergoes a full on-site audit, and if it’s part of a chain, we audit each location independently, no cherry-picking. As part of our annual review, we carry out unannounced checks and include one mystery dining visit per year to ensure standards are upheld in real-world scenarios.
We also value the voices of customers. Diners at certified venues are encouraged to share their feedback, because there’s always room to grow and improve.
Our certification goes far beyond just gluten-free. While gluten is often the most recognised, dairy allergy and lactose intolerant is actually more common. We assess how venues manage all 14 legally recognised allergens, from dairy and eggs to nuts, sesame, and shellfish as well as how they accommodate coeliac disease and other food intolerances. This ensures a comprehensive approach to allergen safety and inclusion
We recognise venues under four clear categories:
Bronze – Compliant
Silver – Very Good
Gold – Excellent
Platinum – Exceeding Standards (typically free-from venues excluding specific allergens)
👉 Click the green button above to view our certification criteria.
👉 Click the purple button above to explore certified venues near you.
Know a venue that should be certified? We’d love to hear from you. Please email us at marketing@fatc.co.uk.
Getting Started
Do you want to to know how to get started on your Food Allergy Aware Certification journey and obtain a quote. Please complete the form below to tell us more about your business or book a call to discuss further.
Why Your Business Will Benefit from Food Allergy Aware Certification
Certification enhances customer safety and staff confidence in allergen management, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or legal action. It also supports compliance during food safety inspections by Local Authorities, giving Environmental Health Officers confidence in your allergen procedures and documentation.
By positioning your brand as proactive and responsible, you boost trust and customer loyalty, particularly among the growing FHS demographic. Ultimately, it empowers your team with the skills and knowledge to embed a culture of safety, accountability, and exceptional service, setting your business apart in a competitive marketplace.
Achieving Food Allergy Aware Certification not only ensures your business is legally compliant with allergen regulations but also unlocks commercial benefits. By confidently catering to Food Hypersensitive (FHS) customers, you create a more inclusive dining experience, encouraging these guests and their dining companions to enjoy full meal experiences, including starters, mains, and desserts. This naturally increases average spend per table and delivers a strong Return On Investment.
What is covered
- Document Review: Assessment of allergen management policies, procedures, and training records to ensure compliance with current legislation.
- Online Presence Evaluation: Review of website and digital platforms to verify accurate allergen information for customers, with re-evaluation every 2 years.
- Onsite Audit: Comprehensive audit of allergen practices, including staff knowledge, kitchen processes, and communication between teams.
- Action Plan Based on 4 gradings Tailored improvement plan provided, addressing gaps identified during the audit to enhance allergen safety.
- Guidance on Internal and External Allergen Policies: Support in developing and maintaining effective allergen policies, ensuring consistency across customer communication and operations.
Additional Resources
To support your team and ensure ongoing compliance and confidence in allergen management, Food Allergy Aware Certification includes access to the following resources:
Expert Advice:
Up to 2 hours of telephone support included with our allergen experts per year. Additional hours can be purchased if required.Menu Guidance & Labelling Support:
Assistance with reviewing your menus and providing allergen labelling advice. Discounted consultancy fees available dependent on requirements. (costs available on request)Templates & Training Materials:
Induction Training Presentation and 1 printed booklet included in certification (additional copies available for purchase)
Bespoke versions tailored to your venue (costs available on request)
Food Allergy Policy Template
Allergen Awareness Signage Templates guidance
Training Guidance & Recommendations:
Induction
FSA Allergy & Intolerance Training (minimum requirement for all staff)
our in-house induction presentation and booklet (Trainer training available – costs on request)
Level 2 Training
Available as a Food Allergy Aware face-to-face session
recommended online equivalent. This training is strongly recommended for all food handlers and customer-facing staff to ensure a solid understanding of allergen management and customer communication.
Level 3 Training
- Designed for senior management teams (both Front and Back of House), this training provides in-depth knowledge of allergen management and legal responsibilities.
- Available now as face-to-face training with Food Allergy Aware – click here to enquire
- A discounted online video version is coming soon for flexible learning at your convenience.
Getting Started
If you got this far you will want to to know how to get started on your Food Allergy Aware Certification and obtain a quote. Please complete the form below to tell us more about your business or book a call to discuss further.