Does cooking remove allergens?

No. Allergenic proteins survive cooking, so cross-contact must be prevented.

A severe, rapid allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and needs immediate adrenaline and an ambulance.

How can I revise allergen management quickly?

Use topic-drill mode for allergen management and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

Allergen Management

Allergen questions trip up many students. Australia recognises 10 priority allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sesame, soy, wheat/gluten, fish, crustacea and lupin.

For an allergic customer even a trace can be life-threatening, so cross-contact control and accurate information are essential.

Preventing cross-contact

Use clean or dedicated equipment, fresh ingredients and a clean surface; change gloves and wash hands. Cooking does not destroy allergens, and shared fryer oil carries them between foods.

Information and labelling

Packaged food must declare priority allergens in plain English. In food service you must give accurate allergen information on request — if you can't confirm a dish is safe, say so. Revise with the allergen cheat sheet.

How to revise allergen management for the exam

Memorise the 10 priority allergens (don't forget lupin) and the difference between an allergy and an intolerance. The questions are usually scenario-based, so practise applying the rule rather than just reciting it. Work through the Allergen Management drill below until you can answer without hesitating, review anything you get wrong, then sit a full timed test to confirm you are exam-ready.

Common exam traps

Allergy (immune, can be fatal) is not the same as intolerance (uncomfortable).
Lupin is the allergen most people forget — it's one of the 10.
Cooking does not remove allergens; 'may contain traces' is a real risk.

Allergen Management FAQ

How many priority allergens are there in Australia?+: Ten: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, sesame, soy, wheat/gluten, fish, crustacea and lupin.
Does cooking remove allergens?+: No. Allergenic proteins survive cooking, so cross-contact must be prevented.
What is anaphylaxis?+: A severe, rapid allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and needs immediate adrenaline and an ambulance.
How can I revise allergen management quickly?+: Use topic-drill mode for allergen management and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

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Study all 12 topics

Food Standards Code & Legislation Food Handler Responsibilities Temperature & Danger Zone Cross Contamination Personal Hygiene Cleaning & Sanitising Food Storage & Labelling Pest Control HACCP Basics Food Safety Supervisor Duties High-Risk Foods & Vulnerable Groups

Written and reviewed by the Food Safety Practice AU editorial team. Last reviewed June 2026. Based on the Food Standards Code (FSANZ) and Australian state/territory food authorities. General guidance only — not official certification.