<p>By Ashley Eisenbeiser, MS, CFS, Director Food and Product Safety Programs, Food Marketing Institute<br /> <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/photos-for-staff-use/dietitian/20171205-fmi-store-shoot-0602_ed.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=fb34786e_2" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="20171205-FMI-Store Shoot-0602_ed" title="20171205-FMI-Store Shoot-0602_ed" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /></p> <p>FMI has partnered with the <a href="http://www.ifpti.org/">International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI)</a> to develop and deliver a retail-specific allergen awareness training course. The recently <a href="https://ifpti.yourlrp.org/#/online-courses/f07fed15-cb6b-4d2f-bc7d-d9286455b280">launched</a> course will support our members&rsquo; efforts to meet regulatory requirements and equip associates with the information and tools necessary to protect customers.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.foodallergy.org/research-programs/research-overview">Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE)</a>, approximately 15 million people in the United States suffer from food allergies. In the last decade, the prevalence of reported food allergies has significantly increased with an estimated four to six percent of children and four percent of adults who are affected by food allergies. The symptoms and severity of food allergy reactions can vary, ranging from a mild response (such as itchy, tingling tongue) to anaphylaxis. Individuals with food allergies rely on the information provided via product label or signage when making their purchasing decisions. Therefore, when it comes to food allergens, <a href="https://www.fmi.org/blog/view/fmi-blog/2016/05/26/accurate-information-and-effective-communication-key-to-retail-allergen-management">accurate information and effective communication is the key to allergen management at retail</a>.</p> <p>This course,<em> <a href="https://ifpti.yourlrp.org/#/online-courses/f07fed15-cb6b-4d2f-bc7d-d9286455b280">Allergen Awareness for Food Employees in Retail Grocery Settings</a>, </em>is designed to raise the awareness of food allergies by food employees in retail grocery settings, specifically in areas where the risk of allergen cross-contact may be present, such as deli departments and salad bars. The course covers important topics such as:</p> <ul> <li>Basic information about food allergies; </li> <li>The eight major food allergens recognized in the U.S.; </li> <li>Methods by which retail grocery establishments can notify customers about potential food allergens; </li> <li>Allergen labeling requirements; and </li> <li>Managing the risk of allergen cross-contact in a retail grocery establishment.</li> </ul> <p>As the occurrences&nbsp;of reported food allergies increases, food retailers will remain on the frontline of food safety and play a significant role in assuring a safe food supply for their customers.</p> <p><a href="https://ifpti.yourlrp.org/#/online-courses/f07fed15-cb6b-4d2f-bc7d-d9286455b280" class="button-secondary">Sign Up For The Allergen Course</a></p> <h4>Looking for more information about food safety and food allergens? Check these out:</h4> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/food-safety/retail-allergen-resource-document.pdf?sfvrsn=6">FMI Food Allergen Resource Guide</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/food-safety-additional-resources/allergenpostereng20123176F44974D1.pdf?sfvrsn=4">FMI Food Allergy Awareness Poster</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.fmi.org/food-safety">FMI&rsquo;s Center for Food Retail and Defense</a></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>