Providing safe gluten-free options that comply with FDA regulation means more than removing gluten ingredients. We provide this summary of training options as a service to restaurants and food service facilities (for example, in schools, camps, hospitals and senior centers) that would like training to safely offer gluten-free and/or allergen-free meals. If you are a diner, you may wish to share this information with your favorite restaurants.

Please check individual websites for updated information. Most of these training courses can be customized to fit the needs of large organizations and businesses. Restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area may request a free two-hour training by our foundation, but we do not provide certification or ongoing audits.

GFFP USA Inc/ Gluten Free Food Program Inc.
Websites: http://gf-verified.com/ and www.gf-finder.com
Emphasis: Gluten-free certification and training for the food service and hospitality sector in North America. Does not include food allergy and anaphylaxis information.
Certification for individuals or facility: GF-Smart for individuals. GF-Verified and GF-Dedicated for establishments/facilities.
Format: Establishments review their systems and processes according to GFFP standards. All staff must complete GF-Smart training (included in cost). Once ready, a third-party auditor is sent to confirm compliance.
Test: Yes. All staff must achieve 100% on the GF-Smart program.
Certification: Yes. Certificates issued and GF logo licensed to the establishment. Renewed and audited annually.
Cost: Varies on several factors.
Searchable database of recipients: www.gf-finder.com
Notes: GFFP and GFFP USA Inc. standards have been designed by industry specialists in conjunction with its endorsement partners: The National Celiac Association, the Canadian Celiac Association, and la Fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque.

Gluten Intolerance Group: Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) Accreditation Program
http://www.gffoodservice.org/
Emphasis: Gluten-free; does not include other allergen and anaphylaxis information
Certification for individuals or facility: Facility
Format: Starts with a desk audit, provides manual and resources, emphasis on putting industry standards of documentation, procedure, training and food safety hazard analysis in place. Then unannounced onsite audits and feedback to corporate office.
Test: Not applicable
Certification: Yes, GFFS logo provided; review recommended every 1-2 years
Cost: Price varies according to a number of factors
Searchable database of recipients: Yes, “Find a Restaurant” on GIG website
Notes: Each location of a chain needs its own certification. Over the last few years GIG has transitioned to the new GFFS program. Restaurants certified under the former Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP) will need to be recertified under the new program to be listed in the database. Restaurants may also participate in the Chef to Plate awareness program every May, for which restaurants put out awareness and education materials during Celiac Awareness Month; does not require certification.

MenuTrinfo: AllerTrain
http://allertrain.com/
Emphasis: Both gluten-free and allergy-friendly; includes anaphylaxis information
Certification for individuals or facility: Individuals
Format: Live webinar, classroom setting, or online on demand
Test: 50-question multiple choice test
Certification: Yes, valid for three years
Cost: $99 per person, includes cost of reference workbook
Searchable database of recipients: No, but after individuals are trained their facility can be added to SafeFARE and designated on AllergyEats and FindMeGlutenFree.
Notes: MenuTrinfo also offers AllerTrain U™ (for campus settings), AllerTrain K12™, AllerChef™, AllerTrain Lite™ and AllerTrain Pizza™. MenuTrinfo partners with the National Restaurant Association.

MenuTrinfo: Gluten-free Certification and Kitchen Audits
http://www.menutrinfo.com/
Emphasis: Both gluten-free and allergy-friendly; includes allergen and anaphylaxis information
Certification for individuals or facility: Facility
Format: MenuTrinfo works with restaurant to research ingredients, menu items, procedures, prevention of cross-contact
Test: Not applicable
Certification: Yes, gluten-free seal, valid for one year, then must be renewed
Cost: Starting at $299, priced according to the number of items on the menu
Searchable database of recipients: No, but after training can be added to SafeFARE and designated on AllergyEats and FindMeGlutenFree.
Notes: MenuTrinfo plans to offer full kitchen audits by request, featuring hands-on review and analysis “from loading dock to table top.”

National Restaurant Association: ServSafe Allergen Course
http://www.servsafe.com/allergens
Emphasis: Top 8 allergens and anaphylaxis information; does not include non-wheat sources of gluten or training specific to gluten-free
Certification for individuals or facility: Individuals
Format: 90-minute online video in English or Spanish
Test: Online assessment at end of course
Certification: Yes, valid for five years
Cost: $22 per person
Searchable database of recipients: No
Notes: NRA recommends additional separate training for gluten-free. Massachusetts and Rhode Island have state laws mandating allergen training so NRA offers state-specific ServSafe online video training for restaurants and food service in those states.

Beyond Celiac: Gluten-Free Resource Awareness and Education Training (GREAT)
http://www.greatgfkitchens.org/
Emphasis: Primarily gluten-free; top 8 allergens addressed, but not extensively and does not include anaphylaxis information
Certification for individuals or facility: Individuals, plus separate facility accreditation
Format: Training for individuals includes online videos (different ones for management, standard, front of the house, schools and camps) and reference manual. Facility accreditation involves individuals being certified and then facility completing an application, checklist and signing an intent form. Beyond Celiac can do onsite audits upon request for additional cost.
Test: Yes, for individual training, up to 35 true/false questions
Certification: Yes, certificate of completion for individual training; for facility accreditation may use GREAT Kitchens logo; mandatory renewal every two years
Cost: Ranges from $25-$100 per person depending on role; $200 for facility accreditation
Searchable database of recipients: No, however GREAT Kitchens may be designated on AllergyEats, GlutenFreeTravelSite, Find Me Gluten Free.
Notes: Beyond Celiac revamped its program in 2012. It partners with the National Restaurant Association in educating restaurants.