Quick answer
Map allergens, cross-contact notes, and menu tags before updating guest-facing QR menu descriptions.
What this template helps you do
An allergen matrix helps staff answer guest questions consistently and keeps menu tags from drifting away from the recipe. It is a working document for review, not a substitute for trained staff judgment.
Best use case
Use it whenever recipes change, suppliers substitute ingredients, or a menu item gets a new sauce, garnish, or preparation method.
Allergen matrix example
| Menu item | Contains | May contain | Cross-contact risk | Menu tag action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pesto pasta | Gluten, milk, tree nuts | Egg | Shared pasta station | Add allergen note |
| Grilled salmon | Fish | Soy | Shared grill marinade | Review sauce description |
| Vegan bowl | Sesame | Tree nuts | Shared prep board | Add cross-contact note |
| Chocolate cake | Gluten, milk, egg | Peanuts | Shared dessert case | Confirm dessert tag |
| House fries | None in recipe | Gluten | Shared fryer | Remove gluten-free claim |
Allergen review checklist
Build the allergen matrix
List every active menu item
Include specials and modifiers, not only the printed core menu.
Review recipe components
Check base ingredients, sauces, toppings, and prep methods.
Confirm with kitchen staff
Validate cross-contact risks with the people who prep and plate the item.
Update guest-facing menu tags
Publish accurate tags and notes on the QR menu after internal review.
Be careful with absolute claims
If an item is made on shared equipment, avoid guest-facing claims that imply zero allergen risk. Use clear notes and staff training instead.
How this connects to your QR menu
Use FlipMenu dietary tags and descriptions to communicate reviewed allergen details. When recipes change, update the QR menu immediately instead of waiting for reprints.
Use the worksheet first, then publish the guest-facing result only after the manager review is complete. That keeps the digital menu useful without turning it into an unapproved operations notebook.