Senate Bill No. 177, introduced by Senator Boudreaux, aims to enhance food allergen awareness in food service establishments in Louisiana. The bill amends existing law to require that, in addition to holding a food safety certificate, the owner or a designated employee of a food service establishment must complete food allergen awareness training. This training will cover the nature, prevention, and control of foodborne illnesses, as well as specific information about food allergens, including their risks, symptoms of allergic reactions, major allergens as defined by federal law, and appropriate response procedures. The bill also mandates that food service establishments display a food allergen awareness poster developed by the Louisiana Department of Health in a location visible to employees.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that beginning January 1, 2026, food allergen training must be completed upon the renewal of the food safety certificate, which is required every five years. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with creating the food allergen awareness poster, which must be displayed in all food service establishments once it becomes available. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB177 Original: 40:5(C)