On Focus Solutions · Online training
Massachusetts Allergen Awareness Training
Always Food Safe · ANAB-accredited program
Earn your allergen awareness certificate with online, video-based training. Learn to recognize allergen risks, prevent cross-contact, and communicate clearly with guests and coworkers.
About 1 hour of training. Available in English and Spanish. Download your certificate after passing the assessment.
Produced by Always Food Safe. Offered through On Focus Solutions.
Made for foodservice
For the people preparing, serving, and supervising food.
Build practical food allergy awareness across your kitchen and service team. Always Food Safe describes this training for managers, food handlers, and servers.
- Permit holders and persons in charge: strengthen the knowledge you use to lead staff and handle allergy requests.
- Managers and supervisors: support consistent communication between the front of house and kitchen.
- Cooks, servers, and other team members: learn practices relevant to food preparation and guest service.
Training is one part of your establishment’s responsibilities.
Massachusetts DPH says the permit holder or designated person in charge must be trained in allergen awareness, with a trained person in charge on site during all operating hours. Other employees must receive training appropriate to their duties, and an alternate person in charge must be designated and trained to cover absences.
- Approved training: DPH recognizes multiple training pathways, including ANAB-accredited/certified courses that include the specified content.
- Beyond the certificate: covered establishments also have responsibilities for an employee-area allergen poster, menu notices, food-label information, and cross-contact prevention.
Completing this course does not, by itself, establish that a business meets every Massachusetts food-safety requirement. This is allergen awareness training, not food manager certification or choke-saving training.
What you will learn
Six chapters, from allergen basics to safer service.
The course covers allergen recognition, communication, cross-contact prevention, and responses to allergic reactions.
Allergens and the Law
Explore food allergen responsibilities and the importance of safe foodservice practices.
Introduction to Allergens
Understand food allergies, intolerances, symptoms of a reaction, and emergency procedures.
The 9 Named Allergens
Recognize the nine major allergens, hidden ingredients, and the importance of clear labeling.
Recipe Creation to Storage
Consider allergen risks in recipes, ingredient information, suppliers, and food storage.
Preparation Through to Service
Help reduce cross-contact while preparing food and communicating allergy requests across the team.
Cleaning & Personal Hygiene
Learn how cleaning, handwashing, and personal hygiene support allergen risk reduction.
Your next steps
Enroll. Learn. Complete your assessment.
Work through the training at your own pace. Keep your certificate with your training records.
- Register through On Focus SolutionsChoose the number of learners and complete your registration. Follow the course-access instructions provided with your enrollment.
- Complete the online trainingStudy the video-based lessons in English or Spanish. The provider estimates about 1 hour of training; your pace may vary.
- Pass and download your certificateComplete the assessment with a score of 75% or higher.
Training more than one person?
Register multiple learners through On Focus Solutions. Tuition is $19.95 per learner.
Massachusetts allergen awareness FAQs
How much does the course cost?
Tuition through On Focus Solutions is $19.95 per learner. The course includes online training, an assessment, and a downloadable certificate after successful completion.
Is this course approved for Massachusetts?
Always Food Safe states that its Allergen Awareness Certificate is approved in Massachusetts to document a person in charge’s completion of approved training.
Who needs allergen awareness training in Massachusetts?
For covered establishments, DPH requires a trained permit holder or designated person in charge on site during all operating hours, with a trained alternate for absences. Other staff must be trained for their assigned duties; this does not mean every employee must purchase the same course.
How long does the training take, and which languages are available?
Always Food Safe lists approximately 1 hour of online video training, available in English and Spanish.
What score do I need to pass?
The provider lists a 40-question online assessment with a 75% passing score. Complete the learning material before taking the assessment.
How long is a Massachusetts allergen certificate valid?
3 years.
Will I receive a downloadable certificate?
Yes. After completing the training and passing the assessment, you can download your certificate as a PDF and save or print it.
Does this replace food manager certification or other requirements?
No. This is a separate allergen awareness course. It does not replace food manager certification, food handler training, or choke-saving training. Covered establishments must also address the poster, menu-notice, labeling.
What if I am unsure which training my establishment needs?
Ask your local board of health about your establishment’s requirements and any applicable exemption. For help choosing or registering for this course, contact On Focus Solutions before purchasing.
Build stronger allergen awareness across your team.
Online training from Always Food Safe, offered through On Focus Solutions for $19.95 per learner.
Questions before enrolling? Contact On Focus Solutions.