Food Allergen Awareness Training Certificate + Allergen Poster & Menu Notice: Boston restaurant guide

MA Department of Public Health (enforced by Boston ISD Health)

What it is

Massachusetts requires a certified food protection manager trained in allergen awareness, a DPH-approved allergen poster, and a menu notice asking customers to tell their server about food allergies.

When a restaurant needs it

Before the Food Service Permit is issued, and kept current during operation.

How to apply

Complete an approved allergen awareness course online; post the DPH poster in the staff area and add the allergy notice to menus.

Documents you’ll need

Allergen awareness certificate
DPH allergen awareness poster (updated version effective Oct. 7, 2024)
Menu with allergy notice

Fee

Set by providers

Processing time

1–2 hours

Renewal

Every 5 years

Who files

The manager completes the training; the owner posts the notices.

Good to know

Sesame has been a major allergen since January 1, 2023. Use the current poster, not an old version.

Official source

MA DPH — food allergen awareness guidance

Get your personalized Boston permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.