What is the primary way to prevent food allergies in a food establishment?

Informing customers about allergen ingredients is crucial in preventing food allergies in a food establishment. When customers are made aware of the ingredients in their meals, they can make informed choices based on their specific allergies or sensitivities. This proactive communication helps to ensure that individuals do not consume foods that might trigger an allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Labeling food items carefully plays a supportive role but is often more effective in combination with direct communication. While separating food and using non-allergenic ingredients are important practices for minimizing cross-contact and risk, they do not fully address the need for transparent and clear communication with customers. Consequently, directly informing patrons about potential allergens they might encounter significantly enhances their ability to protect themselves.