United States · Food safety certificationMassachusetts and Boston, side by side
| Statewide allergen law | Allergy video in the manager course, staff poster, menu notice |
|---|---|
| Boston: certificates | Food Protection Manager and Allergen, each good for 5 years |
| Boston: extra question | Anti-choking training if you have 25 seats or more |
What does the allergen law mean for ServSafe certification in Massachusetts?
Section 6B of chapter 140 of the General Laws sets three things for food establishments. The person in charge and certified food protection manager must view a food allergy video as part of an approved manager course. The staff area must show a poster approved by the state. And every menu must tell customers to let their server know about any food allergies.
What Boston asks for
Boston's Inspectional Services Department says you must have a certified food manager on staff, certified through a private, state-approved exam provider. It describes the Food Protection Manager Certificate and the Allergen Certificate as certifications run by private companies, each good for five years.
The city's 2026 food establishment permit application lists both certificates on its checklist, and asks whether you have someone trained in anti-choking procedures if you have 25 seats or more.
Outside Boston
Your city or town's health department issues food permits and can tell you what it wants on the application. Ask before you book a class, so you take one that includes the allergy video.
Sources: Massachusetts General Laws · City of Boston · National Registry and 3 more. Checked October 2026.
- Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 6B ↗
- City of Boston: How to get a food service permit ↗
- City of Boston: Food establishment permit application (2026) ↗
- National Registry (NRFSP): Food Safety Manager Certification ↗
- StateFoodSafety: Food Safety Manager Certification ↗
- 360training: Learn2Serve food manager courses ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.