Rep. Manir introduces bill to require allergen training for food establishments

Representative Brian Manir of South Burlington introduced H.144 to the House Human Services Committee, proposing a requirement that food establishments provide training about major food allergens to at least one front-of-house and one back-of-house staff member.

Manir said the training would be an inexpensive online video (he estimated $10–$30 based on other jurisdictions) delivered through the Department of Health as part of routine health-inspection processes. The sponsor said the goal is to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions in customers and to allow people with food allergies to patronize more establishments with confidence. He described the requirement as low-cost and nonpunitive and suggested that small establishments could designate a single trained employee who covers both front and back of house.

Committee members asked whether the bill would require menu-level allergen disclosures or only staff training; Manir said the draft includes a requirement to identify “major food allergens” and discussed options such as symbols on menus but said the bill could place onus either on customers to ask about dishes or on establishments to label items. Members also raised concerns about staff turnover in restaurants and how compliance would be maintained; Manir said the model is similar to existing online training requirements for servers and food-safety certifications and could be integrated into inspection workflows.

No committee vote was taken; the sponsor said constituent advocates are prepared to provide live testimony if the committee schedules the bill for hearing.