On Focus Solutions · Online training
Illinois Allergen Awareness Training
ANAB-accredited program
Earn your allergen awareness certificate with online, video-based training from Always Food Safe. Learn practical ways to protect guests with food allergies, from recipe planning and storage through preparation and service.
Six chapters. About 1 hour of training. Available in English and Spanish, with no supporting materials to purchase.
Offered through On Focus Solutions. Download and print your certificate after passing.
Training with a practical purpose
Who should take this Illinois allergen course?
This course is for certified food protection managers who need separate allergen awareness training, and restaurant team members who want to handle food allergy requests more confidently.
- Certified food protection managers: complete or renew your allergen awareness training.
- Owners and restaurant operators: help your team build consistent food allergy practices.
- Kitchen and service staff: strengthen communication and cross-contact prevention skills.
Taking this course does not replace food manager certification or food handler training.
Illinois requirements
Know who needs training and when to renew
Illinois requires separate allergen awareness training for certified food protection managers working in covered Category I (high-risk) restaurants. Not every foodservice employee or establishment falls under this requirement.
- Complete training within 30 days of employment when the requirement applies.
- Renew every 3 years and keep proof of training available at the establishment for inspection.
- Confirm your establishment’s classification and any applicable exemption with your local health department.
What changed for 2026?
Effective January 1, 2026, Illinois expanded the required training topics to include gluten sources, symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, gluten-free food preparation and handling, and cleaning to prevent gluten cross-contact. This does not create a separate gluten-free restaurant certification or require every food handler to take this course.
What you will learn
Six chapters, from allergen basics to safer service
Learn to recognize major and hidden allergens, understand the importance of clear labeling, and reduce cross-contact risks.
Allergens and the Law
Explore the laws surrounding food allergens and allergen awareness training.
Introduction to Allergens
Understand what allergens are and how exposure can affect your customers.
The 9 Named Allergens
Learn about the nine major food allergens and the importance of recognizing allergen risks.
Recipe Creation to Storage
Consider allergen safety when creating recipes, selecting ingredients, and storing food.
Preparation Through to Service
Learn how to help prevent allergen cross-contact while preparing and serving a guest’s food.
Cleaning & Personal Hygiene
Understand how clean work areas, hygienic practices, and personal responsibility support allergen safety.
A straightforward online process
Three steps to your allergen awareness certificate
Train at your own pace, then complete the assessment. No classroom appointment is needed.
- Register for the course
Select the number of learners you need and complete registration through On Focus Solutions.
- Complete the video-based training
Work through six chapters online at your own pace. The course is available in English and Spanish and takes approximately 1 hour; your pace may vary.
- Pass and download your certificate
Earn a score of 75% or higher on the assessment, then download and save your certificate. Keep a copy available for your employer.
Choose the right food safety course
This is an allergen awareness course, not a certified food protection manager exam or a food handler course. It provides a certificate after successful completion, not a state-issued professional license or a guarantee that a restaurant is allergen-free.
If you are unsure which training your role requires, check with your employer or local health department before enrolling.
Before you enroll
Illinois allergen awareness course FAQs
Is this course approved for Illinois?
Always Food Safe states that its Illinois allergen awareness training is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and that the certificate is valid for 3 years. Your employer or local health department can help confirm the training required for your role and establishment.
Who produces this course, and is it accredited?
Always Food Safe’s Allergy Awareness certificate program is ANAB-accredited.
Who is required to complete allergen training in Illinois?
According to IDPH, certified food protection managers working in covered Category I restaurants must complete separate allergen awareness training. Category II and III establishments and certain other operations are exempt. The requirement does not automatically apply to all food handlers.
When must I complete training, and how often do I renew?
Where the Illinois requirement applies, training must be completed within 30 days of employment and repeated every 3 years. Keep proof of training available at your establishment. See the IDPH timing and recordkeeping guidance.
How much does the course cost?
Tuition is $19.95 per learner through On Focus Solutions. You can select more than one learner on the registration page. Always Food Safe states that no supporting materials need to be purchased for this course; see its course overview.
How long does the online course take?
The online, video-based training includes six chapters and takes approximately 1 hour. You can work at your own pace, so completion time varies by learner.
Is the course available in Spanish?
Yes. Always Food Safe lists English and Spanish versions of this course. If you need help arranging access to your preferred language, check with On Focus Solutions before registering.
How do I earn and access my certificate?
Complete the course and pass the assessment with a score of 75% or higher. After passing, you can download your certificate, save it, and print a copy.
What does Illinois require for gluten and celiac awareness?
Beginning January 1, 2026, the required training topics include gluten sources, symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, gluten-free food preparation and handling, and cleaning to prevent gluten cross-contact. The update changes training content; it does not create a gluten-free restaurant certification.
Does this replace food manager or food handler training?
No. Allergen awareness, food manager certification, and food handler training are separate training needs. Select the course required for your role and establishment.
Always Food Safe · Offered by On Focus Solutions
Take the next step in food allergy safety
Build practical allergen safety skills with six chapters of online video training from Always Food Safe. Complete the assessment and download your certificate after passing.
One course per learner. Approximately 1 hour of training. No supporting materials to purchase.
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